Podcasts about Yui

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

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Breath of Friendship: A Spring Day Under Kyoto Blossoms Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-06-13-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 桜の花びらが風に揺られて降りてくる京都の古い寺。En: Petals of cherry blossoms swayed in the breeze, gently falling at an old temple in Kyoto.Ja: 春の日差しがふんわりと差し込み、寺のまわりには新しい命が感じられる。En: The spring sunshine softly filtered through, and a sense of new life surrounded the temple.Ja: ここは、はるとがよく訪れる場所。En: This was a place Haruto often visited.Ja: 彼は静かに考えることが好き。En: He liked to ponder things quietly.Ja: ある日、はるとは親友のゆいと一緒に寺を訪れた。En: One day, Haruto visited the temple with his best friend, Yui.Ja: ゆいは、彼の健康を気にかける優しい友達だ。En: Yui was a caring friend concerned about his health.Ja: 「はると、今日はどう？」ゆいが心配そうに尋ねた。En: "How are you today, Haruto?" Yui asked worriedly.Ja: 「大丈夫、ありがとう。でも少し息が苦しい。」と、はるとは答えた。En: "I'm okay, thanks. But it's a little hard to breathe," Haruto replied.Ja: 彼らは寺を歩きながら、人生について話した。En: As they walked around the temple, they talked about life.Ja: 突然、はるとの呼吸が乱れ始めた。En: Suddenly, Haruto's breathing started to become erratic.Ja: 彼は胸を押さえ、必死に空気を吸おうとした。En: He clutched his chest, desperately trying to take in air.Ja: 「はぁ、はぁ...」En: "Ha, ha..."Ja: ゆいはすぐに反応した。「はると、落ち着いて。ゆっくり息を吸って。」彼女ははるとの背中をさすり、安心させようとした。En: Yui reacted immediately. "Haruto, stay calm. Breathe slowly." She rubbed his back, trying to reassure him.Ja: はるとは必死に呼吸を整えようとしたが、苦しかった。En: Haruto struggled to steady his breathing, but it was tough.Ja: ゆいはそばにある神社の手水舎を見つけた。En: Yui spotted a water basin by the nearby shrine.Ja: 「水を少し飲もう。」ゆいは急いで水を汲み、はるとに渡した。En: "Let's drink some water." Yui quickly fetched some water and handed it to Haruto.Ja: はるとはゆっくり水を飲み、心を落ち着けるように努力した。En: Haruto drank it slowly, striving to calm his nerves.Ja: 「ありがとう、ゆい。」はるとは深く息を吸いながら言った。En: "Thank you, Yui," Haruto said, taking a deep breath.Ja: 「君のおかげで、また落ち着いたよ。」En: "Thanks to you, I've calmed down again."Ja: 「無理しないでね。ここで休もう。」ゆいは微笑んで言った。En: "Don't push yourself. Let's rest here," Yui said with a smile.Ja: 二人は寺の庭に座り、しばらく静かに過ごした。En: They sat in the temple garden, quietly spending some time together.Ja: 花びらが舞い落ちる中、はるとは思った。友達の支えはとても大切だ。En: As petals danced in the air, Haruto thought about how important the support of friends was.Ja: 彼は自分の体をもっと大切にしようと決心した。En: He resolved to take better care of himself.Ja: 「ゆい、本当にありがとう。」はるとはしみじみと感謝を伝えた。En: "Yui, really, thank you," Haruto expressed his heartfelt gratitude.Ja: 「いつでもそばにいるからね。」ゆいはやさしく微笑んだ。En: "I'll always be here for you," Yui smiled gently.Ja: 桜の木の下で、はるとはゆいとの友情に感謝しつつ、人生の静けさを再び噛みしめた。En: Under the cherry tree, Haruto appreciated his friendship with Yui and once again savored the quietness of life.Ja: 彼にとって大切なのは、健康と、心温まる友情だった。En: For him, what mattered most was health and a heartwarming friendship.Ja: 春の暖かい風がまた二人を包み込んだ。En: The warm spring breeze enveloped the two of them once again. Vocabulary Words:petals: 花びらbreeze: 風sunshine: 日差しfiltered: 差し込みsurrounded: 感じられるponder: 考えるerratic: 乱れclutched: 押さえdesperately: 必死にreassure: 安心させるsteady: 整えるspot: 見つけるbasin: 手水舎fetch: 汲むnerves: 心gratitude: 感謝resolve: 決心するappreciate: 感謝するfriendship: 友情savor: 噛みしめるquietness: 静けさhealth: 健康heartwarming: 心温まるenveloped: 包み込むconcerned: 気にかけるworryingly: 心配そうにchest: 胸back: 背中effort: 努力rest: 休む

Before commencing her career as a filmmaker, Jane Larkin was an Australian representative sprinter, pushing her body to the limits on the track. In the moments of preparation, cooldowns, and every minute in between, Jane was building friendships, learning from fellow athletes, and seeing a world of sports that we rarely get to see in cinema.After shifting over to acting in 2018, Jane embraced roles in films like Ron Howard's Thirteen Lives and the Netflix series Boy Swallows Universe, before commencing on her biggest creative project yet: The Edge. Jane wears multiple hats on her feature film debut, embracing the role of director, writer, producer, and co-lead actor, as she plays the role of Annie Murphy.Like Jane, Annie is a sprinter, and it's her performance, alongside fellow athletes-turned-actors, Lily Riley a powerlifter who plays Sylvia, and paralympic swimmer Mei Ichinose who plays Yui, that gives The Edge a docu-drama feeling. This is ultimately a film about the world of sport, and to get that holistic perspective, Jane consciously brings us into the lives of Annie, Sylvia, and Yui, with each given their chance to explore their lived perspectives of women in the world of athletics.Jane's script comfortably gives space for each actor to explore the realities of sports: the visceral nature of vomiting during training, the prevalence of sexual abuse, the continued harassment and criticism which leads to complex relationships with body images. But, while these are heavy subjects to present on screen, Jane consciously gives them space to breath by imbuing each character with another aspect that is rarely seen on screen from a woman's perspective: friendship in competitive spaces.As Annie, Sylvia, and Yui don't directly compete with one another on a sports level, a lesser film might find space to have them compete with each other outside of the sporting arena. It's then comforting to see The Edge delve into supportive relationships, with each character given the other the space to be nurtured, heard, and guided through whatever challenges they're facing. The Edge's levity and warmth comes from these core relationships, allowing the film to resonate long after its finished.These aspects are also elevated by scenes that carry immense visual weight, whether it be a closing shot of the women on a beach, or the overwhelming in tone underwater shots of Yui. In the following interview, Jane refers to one of cinemas great sporting films - Chariots of Fire - as an inspiration for her creative work as a filmmaker, and it's in these moments of invigoration, captured brilliantly by cinematographer Ben Knibb, that The Edge makes its mark as an impressive entry in the Australian sports genre.This is an expansive interview which ranges from Jane discussing her decision to shift from athletics to acting, how she managed that docu-drama vibe, and finally, talking about the films upcoming world premiere at the Gold Coast Film Festival on Friday 2 May 2025. The Edge will also have an encore screening on Tuesday 6 May 2025. For all ticketing details, visit GCFF.com.au. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before commencing her career as a filmmaker, Jane Larkin was an Australian representative sprinter, pushing her body to the limits on the track. In the moments of preparation, cooldowns, and every minute in between, Jane was building friendships, learning from fellow athletes, and seeing a world of sports that we rarely get to see in cinema.After shifting over to acting in 2018, Jane embraced roles in films like Ron Howard's Thirteen Lives and the Netflix series Boy Swallows Universe, before commencing on her biggest creative project yet: The Edge. Jane wears multiple hats on her feature film debut, embracing the role of director, writer, producer, and co-lead actor, as she plays the role of Annie Murphy.Like Jane, Annie is a sprinter, and it's her performance, alongside fellow athletes-turned-actors, Lily Riley a powerlifter who plays Sylvia, and paralympic swimmer Mei Ichinose who plays Yui, that gives The Edge a docu-drama feeling. This is ultimately a film about the world of sport, and to get that holistic perspective, Jane consciously brings us into the lives of Annie, Sylvia, and Yui, with each given their chance to explore their lived perspectives of women in the world of athletics.Jane's script comfortably gives space for each actor to explore the realities of sports: the visceral nature of vomiting during training, the prevalence of sexual abuse, the continued harassment and criticism which leads to complex relationships with body images. But, while these are heavy subjects to present on screen, Jane consciously gives them space to breath by imbuing each character with another aspect that is rarely seen on screen from a woman's perspective: friendship in competitive spaces.As Annie, Sylvia, and Yui don't directly compete with one another on a sports level, a lesser film might find space to have them compete with each other outside of the sporting arena. It's then comforting to see The Edge delve into supportive relationships, with each character given the other the space to be nurtured, heard, and guided through whatever challenges they're facing. The Edge's levity and warmth comes from these core relationships, allowing the film to resonate long after its finished.These aspects are also elevated by scenes that carry immense visual weight, whether it be a closing shot of the women on a beach, or the overwhelming in tone underwater shots of Yui. In the following interview, Jane refers to one of cinemas great sporting films - Chariots of Fire - as an inspiration for her creative work as a filmmaker, and it's in these moments of invigoration, captured brilliantly by cinematographer Ben Knibb, that The Edge makes its mark as an impressive entry in the Australian sports genre.This is an expansive interview which ranges from Jane discussing her decision to shift from athletics to acting, how she managed that docu-drama vibe, and finally, talking about the films upcoming world premiere at the Gold Coast Film Festival on Friday 2 May 2025. The Edge will also have an encore screening on Tuesday 6 May 2025. For all ticketing details, visit GCFF.com.au. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Blossoms and Shutters: Capturing Time at Fushimi Inari Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-04-21-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 春の日差しが降り注ぎ、伏見稲荷大社は桜の花びらで華やかさを増していた。En: The spring sunlight poured down as Fushimi Inari Taisha became even more vibrant with cherry blossom petals.Ja: 赤い鳥居が連なる山道を人々が行き交う。En: People came and went along the mountain path lined with red torii.Ja: 桜まつりの音と香りが、境内を賑わわせている。En: The sounds and scents of the cherry blossom festival enlivened the shrine grounds.Ja: ユイは大学生で、写真が大好きだ。En: Yui was a university student who loved photography.Ja: 彼女の弟、タケシは冒険心に満ちていて、いつも元気だ。En: Her younger brother, Takeshi, was full of adventure and always energetic.Ja: 彼らの親友ハルカは内省的で、物思いにふけるのが好きだった。En: Their close friend Haruka was introspective and enjoyed contemplating things.Ja: 今年の桜まつりで、ユイは完璧な写真を撮りたかった。En: At this year's cherry blossom festival, Yui wanted to take the perfect photo.Ja: 彼女のポートフォリオを完成させるためには、この祭りの決定的な瞬間を捉える必要がある。En: To complete her portfolio, she needed to capture a decisive moment of the festival.Ja: しかし、人込みと変わりやすい天気がその計画を妨げていた。En: However, the crowds and the changeable weather were hindering her plans.Ja: 「山の上に登れば、日没の景色をうまく撮れるかもしれない」とユイは考えた。En: "If I climb to the top of the mountain, I might be able to capture the sunset well," Yui thought.Ja: 彼女は雨が降り始める中、意を決してさらに高く登ることにした。En: She decided to climb higher, even as it began to rain.Ja: 雨が次第に小降りになり、いつの間にか止まった時、太陽はちょうど山陰に沈みかけていた。En: When the rain gradually lessened and eventually stopped, the sun was just about to set behind the mountain.Ja: ユイは瞬間を逃さず、カメラのシャッターを切った。En: Yui didn't miss the moment and snapped the camera shutter.Ja: タケシとハルカは満開の桜の前で笑顔を見せ、その背後には祭りの灯が輝いていた。En: Takeshi and Haruka smiled in front of the fully bloomed cherry blossoms, with the festival lights shining in the background.Ja: その瞬間、ユイは何かを悟った。En: At that moment, Yui realized something important.Ja: 写真を撮るという結果だけでなく、その経験そのものを楽しむことが大切なのだと。En: It wasn't just about the result of taking photos, but enjoying the experience itself was what's valuable.Ja: 彼女は今ここにいること、友達と共有する時間を大切にする新しい価値観を心に刻んだ。En: She engraved a new value in her heart: cherishing being present and the time shared with friends.Ja: 写真は彼女の思っていた以上に素晴らしい出来栄えだった。En: The photo turned out even more amazing than Yui had imagined.Ja: しかし、それ以上にユイは自分がこの瞬間を楽しめたことに幸せを感じていた。En: However, more than that, she felt happiness in being able to enjoy the moment.Ja: そして、これからはあらゆる瞬間を大切にしようと決意するのだった。En: And she resolved to cherish every moment from now on.Ja: 人々は山を下り、祭りの灯がどこまでも続いていた。En: People descended the mountain, with the festival lights continuing endlessly.Ja: ユイ、タケシ、ハルカは日常に戻るが、彼らはこの思い出を胸に抱き続けるに違いない。En: Yui, Takeshi, and Haruka returned to their everyday lives, but they would undoubtedly continue to carry this memory in their hearts. Vocabulary Words:sunlight: 日差しpoured: 降り注ぎvibrant: 華やかさblossom: 花びらenlivened: 賑わわせているintrospective: 内省的contemplating: 物思いにふけるdecisive: 決定的なchangeable: 変わりやすいhindered: 妨げていたgradually: 次第にlessened: 小降りengaged: 意を決してengraved: 刻んだcherishing: 大切にするundoubtedly: 違いない

It's time for the Fushigi Yûgi finale! Join club hosts Kate, Karen, Dennis, Diana, & returning guest Kristen as we go over our final Fushigi Yûgi thoughts. Does Keisuke do enough to redeem himself from the last batch of episodes? Is all forgiven for Yui? Does Nakago deserve the sad backstory treatment? Unexpected kaiju battles, and the return of Force ghosts. It's got everything! 0:00:00 - Intro & Some Anime News 0:12:15 - The Watchlist (ft Faves of Winter 2025) 0:40:25 - Catching up on FY with Diana & Kristen 0:50:40 - EP49: Wedding Celebration 1:16:54 - EP50: Atonement 1:47:01 - EP51: Entrusted Hope 2:15:15 - EP52: For My Loved One 2:43:16 - Final Thoughts & Kanpai Special thanks to Kristen (@kristenmpath) for joining us again! Unfortunately, Fushigi Yugi is currently out of print, but you can still support the show by donating to our Ko-Fi link below.   Dennis: @ichnob | Diana: @binkxy | Karen: @ryacosplay | Kate: @taikochan  Linktr.ee | Ko-Fi | RSS

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Haruka's Perfect Sakura Shot: A Journey of Discovery Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-03-19-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 京都御所の春は、毎年特別です。En: Spring at the Kyoto Imperial Palace is special every year.Ja: さくらの花びらが風に乗って舞う様子は、美しくそして儚いです。En: The sight of sakura petals dancing on the wind is beautiful and fleeting.Ja: この日は、春の学校遠足でたくさんの学生たちが訪れていました。En: On this day, numerous students visited as part of a spring school excursion.Ja: 遥か、武、そして結衣もその一員です。En: Haruka, Takeshi, and Yui were among them.Ja: 遥かは控えめで、考え深い性格です。En: Haruka is modest and thoughtful by nature.Ja: 彼女には密かな目標がありました。それは、さくらの美しさを完璧に捉えた写真を撮ること。En: She had a secret goal: to capture a perfect photograph of the sakura's beauty.Ja: その写真で学校の写真コンクールに応募するつもりでした。En: She intended to submit that photo to the school photo contest.Ja: でも、そこには課題がありました。En: However, there was a challenge.Ja: 人が多く、同行の学生たちの賑やかさに気を取られてしまうことです。En: The large crowds and the lively behavior of her fellow students were distracting.Ja: 御所の広大な敷地では、学生たちは木々の間を歩き回っています。En: In the expansive grounds of the Imperial Palace, students wandered among the trees.Ja: 「さくらの下での写真がきれいだよ！」武が指差しました。En: "Photos look great under the sakura!" Takeshi pointed out.Ja: 結衣も同意しました。「これで写真を撮ろうよ！」En: Yui agreed. "Let's take a picture here!"Ja: でも、遥かは考えました。「騒々しい所では、いい写真は撮れないかも」。En: But Haruka thought, "In a noisy place, I might not be able to take a good picture."Ja: そこで、遥かはちょっとした冒険を決めました。En: So, Haruka decided on a small adventure.Ja: 少し離れたところに行って、静かで落ち着いた場所を探すのです。En: She would go a little farther away to find a quiet and calm spot.Ja: 友達に「ちょっと撮りたい場所があるから、少しだけ一人にさせてね」と言い、お辞儀をして離れました。En: She told her friends, "I have a place I want to take pictures of, so let me be alone for a bit," bowed, and left.Ja: 遠くの方へ歩くと、まばゆい光が漏れ出る一角にたどり着きました。En: As she walked further, she reached a corner where dazzling light filtered through.Ja: さくらの花びらが陽の光を受け、柔らかいピンクの光に包まれています。En: The sakura petals were bathed in sunlight, enveloped in a soft pink glow.Ja: ここに決めました。En: She decided on this spot.Ja: その瞬間の美しさをカメラに収めました。En: She captured the beauty of the moment with her camera.Ja: その後、遥かは急いで仲間がいる場所に戻りました。En: Afterward, Haruka hurried back to the spot where her friends were.Ja: 間一髪、写真提出の時間には間に合いました。En: Just in time, she made it for the photo submission deadline.Ja: 出来上がった写真は、遥かの期待以上に美しいものでした。En: The finished photograph was even more beautiful than Haruka had expected.Ja: 彼女は、直感を信じることの大切さを学び、自信を持つことができました。En: She learned the importance of trusting her intuition and gained self-confidence.Ja: 「やっぱりいい写真を撮るには、心を落ち着けることが大事だね」と遥かは微笑みました。En: "In order to take a good picture, it's important to calm your mind," Haruka smiled.Ja: これで、彼女の写真がどんな賞を取るかわからないけれど、そのことにはもう満足していました。En: She didn't yet know what award her photo might win, but she was already satisfied.Ja: 遠足の日は、春の暖かさと共に心に刻まれました。En: The excursion day was etched in her heart along with the warmth of spring.Ja: これからも、遥かはそのカメラを大切にし、何度も新しい写真を撮るでしょう。En: From now on, Haruka will cherish her camera and continue to take new photos over and over again. Vocabulary Words:imperial: 御所palace: 御所special: 特別petals: 花びらdancing: 舞うfleeting: 儚いexcursion: 遠足modest: 控えめthoughtful: 考え深いgoal: 目標submit: 応募challenge: 課題expansive: 広大wandered: 歩き回るadventure: 冒険quiet: 静かcalm: 落ち着いたbowed: お辞儀dazzling: まばゆいfiltered: 漏れ出るenveloped: 包まれcaptured: 収めましたintuition: 直感confidence: 自信etched: 刻まれcherish: 大切に

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Blossoms of Tradition: Harto's Tea Ceremony Breakthrough Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-03-03-23-34-01-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 春の香りが漂う京都の祇園地区。En: The scent of spring wafted through the Kyoto Gion district.Ja: お寺や旧い町家の間に、新しい命を運ぶように桜が咲きほこっていた。En: Cherry blossoms bloomed between the temples and old townhouses, as if bringing new life.Ja: ハルトは茶室の前に立ち、深呼吸をした。En: Harto stood in front of the tearoom, taking a deep breath.Ja: 今日は彼の初めての独り立ち茶会の日だ。En: Today was the day of his first solo tea ceremony.Ja: この茶会は、彼の家族の伝統を継ぐための大切な一歩であり、師匠であるサトシ先生の承認を得るための場でもある。En: This tea ceremony was an important step to carry on his family's tradition, and also a chance to gain approval from his mentor, Satoshi sensei.Ja: 幼なじみのユイが東京から駆けつけてくれた。En: His childhood friend Yui had rushed over from Tokyo.Ja: 彼女は地元の伝統に興味津々で、心からハルトを応援していた。En: She was fascinated by local traditions and sincerely supported Harto.Ja: 茶室の中は、落ち着いた雰囲気に満ちている。En: Inside the tearoom, a calm atmosphere prevailed.Ja: 静けさの中にも、桜の華やかさが漂う。En: Within the silence, the splendor of the cherry blossoms lingered.Ja: 「緊張しなくて大丈夫よ、ハルト」とユイは優しく微笑んだ。En: “Don't worry, Harto,” Yui said, smiling gently.Ja: サトシ先生は厳粛な表情で室内に入った。En: Satoshi sensei entered the room with a solemn expression.Ja: 彼の目はハルトの一挙一動を静かに見守っている。En: His eyes quietly observed Harto's every move.Ja: ハルトは瞬間、内心の自信のなさと不安に襲われた。En: For a moment, Harto was seized with inner insecurity and anxiety.Ja: しかし、心の中で彼は決心していた。En: However, in his heart, he had resolved to infuse this tea ceremony with his own touch.Ja: 今回の茶会には、自分なりの工夫を凝らそうと思っていた。En: He planned to incorporate a special spring arrangement of cherry blossoms.Ja: 茶会が始まった。En: The tea ceremony began.Ja: 彼の動きは優雅で、心を込めていた。まるで桜の花びらが風に乗って舞っているかのようだった。En: His movements were graceful and heartfelt, as if cherry petals were dancing on the wind.Ja: その時、不意に窓が開いて、部屋中に花びらが舞い込んできた。En: Suddenly, the window opened, and petals swirled into the room.Ja: ハルトは驚いた。En: Harto was surprised.Ja: しかし、その瞬間を生かして茶の道具を整え、自然の美を取り込み始めた。En: But he seized the moment, arranging the tea utensils to incorporate the natural beauty.Ja: 彼は桜の花びらをそっと茶碗の側に添え、静かに微笑んだ。En: He gently placed a cherry petal beside the tea bowl and smiled quietly.Ja: まるでその瞬間が最初から計画された舞台のように自然だった。En: It felt as natural as if the moment had been scripted from the start.Ja: サトシ先生は目を細め、微かに頷いた。En: Satoshi sensei narrowed his eyes slightly and nodded faintly.Ja: ユイはその美しさに感動し、「素晴らしいよ、ハルト」と囁いた。En: Yui was moved by the beauty and whispered, “Wonderful, Harto.”Ja: 茶会が無事に終わり、ハルトは深くお辞儀をした。En: The tea ceremony concluded successfully, and Harto bowed deeply.Ja: 彼の心には新たな自信が宿った。En: New confidence took root in his heart.Ja: サトシ先生は、「良い茶会だった」と静かに告げた。En: Satoshi sensei quietly remarked, “It was a good tea ceremony.”Ja: ハルトは、これからもこの伝統を大切にしつつ、自分なりの方法で新しい風を吹き込んでいけるという確信を得た。En: Harto gained the conviction that he could cherish this tradition while bringing in a new breeze in his own way.Ja: 桜の花が散るように、彼の不安もまた風に舞って消えて行った。En: Just as the cherry blossoms fell, his anxieties lifted and disappeared with the wind.Ja: その日、春の美しさと共に、ハルトは彼自身の可能性を花開かせた。En: On that day, alongside the beauty of spring, Harto blossomed with the possibilities within himself. Vocabulary Words:scent: 香りwafted: 漂うbloomed: 咲きほこっていたtearoom: 茶室solo: 独り立ちtradition: 伝統approval: 承認mentor: 師匠sincerely: 心からprevailed: 満ちているsplendor: 華やかさsolemn: 厳粛なinner insecurity: 内心の自信のなさgraceful: 優雅heartfelt: 心を込めていたarrangement: 生け花utensils: 道具incorporate: 取り入れるnatural: 自然nodded: 頷いたconviction: 確信cherish: 大切にするpossibilities: 可能性anxieties: 不安seized: 襲われたinfuse: 凝らそうpetals: 花びらswirled: 舞い込んできたbeside: 側にscripted: 計画された

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Snowman Contest Surprise: How Haruto Blossomed with Garden Magic Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-03-02-23-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 春の風が少し暖かく感じられる頃、まだ雪が所々に残る小さな住宅街に、ハルトの家がありました。En: When the spring wind started to feel a little warm, Haruto's house was located in a small residential area where patches of snow still remained.Ja: 近所の人々は、3月3日のひな祭りに向けて、家の窓辺に色とりどりのひな人形を飾っていました。En: The neighbors were decorating their windows with colorful hina dolls in preparation for the Hinamatsuri on March 3.Ja: ある日、ハルトは隣の家のユイとケンタから声をかけられました。En: One day, Haruto was called out to by Yui and Kenta from the house next door.Ja: 「ねえ、ハルト！スノーマンコンテストに参加してよ！」と、ケンタが元気に叫びます。En: "Haruto, join the snowman contest!" shouted Kenta energetically.Ja: ハルトは少し困惑しました。En: Haruto was a bit puzzled.Ja: 彼は庭の手入れが得意ですが、スノーマンを作るのは初めてです。En: Although he was good at gardening, it was his first time making a snowman.Ja: しかし、挑戦することに決めました。En: However, he decided to take on the challenge.Ja: 「これは良いチャンスだ。新しいことに挑戦してみよう」と自分に言い聞かせます。En: "This is a good opportunity. Let's try something new," he told himself.Ja: ケンタは雪だるま作りの達人で、その創造力は地域でよく知られています。En: Kenta was a snowman-making expert, and his creativity was well-known in the area.Ja: ユイも手先が器用で、素敵なアクセサリーを雪だるまに飾ります。En: Yui was also good with her hands and adorned the snowmen with lovely accessories.Ja: ハルトは自分の強みであるガーデニングを活かして勝負に挑むことにしました。En: Haruto decided to leverage his strength in gardening to take on the contest.Ja: 庭の花鉢やデコレーションを活用して、ユニークな雪だるまを作る計画です。En: He planned to use garden flower pots and decorations to create a unique snowman.Ja: 彼は心の中で、「これで勝てるかもしれない」と決意を固めました。En: In his heart, he resolved, "I might be able to win with this."Ja: コンテスト当日、突如として暖かい風が吹き始め、雪だるまが溶け始めます。En: On the day of the contest, a warm wind suddenly began to blow, causing the snowmen to start melting.Ja: 参加者たちは皆慌てましたが、ハルトは瞬時に新しいアイデアを思いつきました。En: All the participants were flustered, but Haruto quickly came up with a new idea.Ja: 「これは庭の彫刻に変えよう！」と彼は叫びます。En: "Let's turn this into a garden sculpture!" he shouted.Ja: 彼は溶けかけた雪と庭の飾りを使って、春をテーマにした美しい庭の彫刻を作り上げました。En: Using the melting snow and garden decorations, he created a beautiful garden sculpture with a spring theme.Ja: 審査員たちはその創造性と即興性に驚き、ハルトを優勝者に選びました。En: The judges were astonished by his creativity and improvisation, selecting Haruto as the winner.Ja: 「ハルトくん、素晴らしい発想だね！」とユイは拍手を送りました。En: "Haruto, that's a wonderful idea!" complimented Yui with applause.Ja: ケンタも笑顔で「君の勝ちだね！」と讃えました。En: Kenta also praised him with a smile, "You've won!"Ja: その日から、ハルトは新しい自信を身に付けました。En: From that day, Haruto gained new confidence.Ja: 彼は伝統的なスキルだけではなく、柔軟性と創造性が大切だということを学び、地域の人々からも一目置かれる存在になったのです。En: He learned that flexibility and creativity are just as important as traditional skills, and he became a person whom the local community admired.Ja: この経験は、彼の人生における新しい章の始まりとも言える出来事でした。En: This experience marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life. Vocabulary Words:residential: 住宅patches: 所々decorate: 飾るpuzzled: 困惑opportunity: チャンスcreativity: 創造力adorned: 飾るleverage: 活かすparticipants: 参加者flustered: 慌てimprovisation: 即興性flexibility: 柔軟性beginning: 始まりchapter: 章remarkable: 素晴らしいenthusiastically: 元気にresolve: 決意astonished: 驚きcomplimented: 讃えadmired: 一目置かれるgardening: 庭の手入れcontest: コンテストsculpture: 彫刻accessories: アクセサリーunique: ユニークなremarkably: 非常にjudges: 審査員compliment: 讃えconfidence: 自信traditional: 伝統的な

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Haruto's Courage: Rising to the Challenge in Osaka Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-01-30-23-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 大阪の病院では、すべてが動き続けています。En: In the hospital in Osaka, everything keeps moving.Ja: アナウンスが響く中、看護師や医師が忙しく歩き回ります。En: As announcements echo, nurses and doctors walk around busily.Ja: 冬の空気が窓の外で冴え、ちらちらと雪が舞っています。En: The winter air is crisp outside the window, with snow fluttering down gently.Ja: 今日は医学生の春斗にとって大きな日です。En: Today is a big day for Haruto, a medical student.Ja: 彼の初めての臨床実習が始まります。En: His first clinical training begins.Ja: 彼は祖母を治療した医師に影響を受け、医師になりたいと思いました。En: Inspired by the doctor who treated his grandmother, he wanted to become a doctor.Ja: しかし、今は緊張していて、実践的なスキルに少し自信がありません。En: However, right now, he's nervous and lacks a bit of confidence in his practical skills.Ja: 春斗は病院のロビーで待っています。En: Haruto is waiting in the hospital lobby.Ja: 彼の制服は新品で、彼の心は期待と不安で揺れています。En: His uniform is brand new, and his heart is swaying with anticipation and anxiety.Ja: 「やっと始まるんだ」と思い、心の中で深呼吸をします。En: He thinks, "It's finally starting," and takes a deep breath in his mind.Ja: ふと、優しい声が聞こえます。En: Suddenly, a gentle voice is heard.Ja: 「春斗さんですね。私は看護師の優衣です。一緒に回りましょう。」優衣はにこやかに微笑みながら春斗に話しかけます。En: "You're Haruto, right? I'm Yui, a nurse. Let's go around together." With a friendly smile, Yui talks to Haruto.Ja: 彼女の優しい微笑みは少し春斗を安心させます。En: Her gentle smile eases Haruto a bit.Ja: 一緒に病院の中を歩きながら、優衣は春斗に色々なことを教えてくれます。En: As they walk through the hospital together, Yui teaches Haruto many things.Ja: 彼女は親切で、質問に丁寧に答えてくれます。En: She is kind and answers his questions thoroughly.Ja: 突然、緊急のアラームが鳴り響きます。En: Suddenly, an emergency alarm rings loudly.Ja: 春斗は胸がどきどきします。En: Haruto's heart starts to race.Ja: でも落ち着いて状況を見ようとします。En: But he tries to stay calm and observe the situation.Ja: 「大丈夫ですよ、春斗さん。でも、集中してくださいね。」優衣が静かに言いました。En: "It's okay, Haruto. But please concentrate," Yui says quietly.Ja: 緊急治療室に入ると、医師が指示を出しています。En: Entering the emergency treatment room, doctors are giving instructions.Ja: 患者の状態は深刻です。En: The patient's condition is serious.Ja: 春斗の心は早くも焦ります。En: Haruto's mind starts to rush.Ja: この時、学んだことと本能が対立します。En: This is where his learning and instincts clash.Ja: しかし、彼の本能が言います。「何かしなくちゃ。」En: However, his instinct tells him, "I have to do something."Ja: 勇気を出した春斗は、学んだことから少し逸れて、自分の直感で動きます。En: Mustering courage, Haruto slightly deviates from what he learned and acts on his intuition.Ja: 医師と優衣を見ると、彼らが彼の行動に驚きつつも、認めてくれていると感じます。En: Looking at the doctor and Yui, he feels they acknowledge his actions, even if they're a bit surprised.Ja: 無事に治療が終わり、患者が安定しました。En: The treatment ends safely, and the patient is stabilized.Ja: 春斗の顔には安堵の表情が浮かびます。En: A look of relief appears on Haruto's face.Ja: 優衣がそばに来ました。En: Yui comes to his side.Ja: 「よくやったね、春斗さん。あなたは立派でしたよ。」優衣はやさしく微笑みました。En: "You did well, Haruto. You were remarkable," Yui says with a gentle smile.Ja: その後、春斗は病院の廊下で一人で考えます。En: Afterwards, Haruto reflects by himself in the hospital corridor.Ja: 彼は本能と教科書の知識をうまく使えたことを実感し、未来に少し自信を持てるようになりました。En: He realizes he's effectively used both his instincts and textbook knowledge, gaining a bit more confidence in his future.Ja: その時、やけに偉そうな声が聞こえました。En: At that moment, an unusually authoritative voice is heard.Ja: 「春斗くん、良い判断だったね。」名医とも言われるあの医師が言いました。En: "Haruto, that was a good decision," stated the renowned doctor.Ja: 春斗の心は喜びで満たされます。En: Haruto's heart fills with joy.Ja: 大阪の冬の寒さも全く気になりません。En: He no longer minds the cold winter of Osaka.Ja: 彼は本当に医師になるべきだと確信しました。En: He is convinced that he truly should become a doctor.Ja: 医療の世界はまだまだ続きますが、春斗は力強く前に進むことでしょう。En: The world of medicine still continues, but Haruto will surely stride forward with strength. Vocabulary Words:announcements: アナウンスfluttering: 舞っていますclinical: 臨床training: 実習inspired: 影響を受けconfidence: 自信anticipation: 期待anxiety: 不安gentle: 優しいintuition: 直感emergency: 緊急stabilized: 安定しましたrenowned: 名医authoritative: 偉そうなdeviates: 逸れてinstinct: 本能instructions: 指示corridor: 廊下muster: 勇気を出したcompassion: 親切swaying: 揺れていますthoroughly: 丁寧にrelief: 安堵remarkable: 立派acknowledge: 認めるauthority: 名医gratification: 喜びflutters: ちらちらprofound: 深刻resignation: 確信

We're back in the Universe of the Four Gods, as Dennis, Ed, Kate, & Karen start part two of the Fushigi Yûgi miniseries! Starting off with episodes 27-30, we get our first full recap episode, along with journeying to a new land. Miaka and Yui both resolve to see through their respective quests, even if it means fighting each other. Other talking points include Flute-aboshi & Rope-aboshi, library etiquette, indoor sunglasses, things that could have been done yesterday, lightning bending, and recharging your chakra. So get out of those drenched clothes before you get sick. It's story time with Nuriko! 0:00:00 - Intro & Some Anime News 0:11:34 - The Watchlist 0:32:05 - EP27: Tombstone Oath 0:49:31 - EP28: The Ancient Path (Part 1 Digest) 0:54:05 - EP29: Mysteries Afoot 1:12:59 - EP30: The Flash of Battle 1:33:54 - Voices, Final Thoughts, & Kanpai Unfortunately, Fushigi Yugi is currently out of print, but you can still support the show by donating to our Ko-Fi link below.   Dennis: @ichnob | Ed: @ippennokuinashi | Karen: @ryacosplay | Kate: @taikochan Linktr.ee | Ko-Fi | RSS

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Aquarium Adventures: Finding Life's Answers in Osaka Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-01-18-23-34-01-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 大阪の冬は冷たく、空気は澄んでいた。En: Winter in Osaka is cold, with clear air.Ja: その日、海遊館は多くの人々で賑わっていた。En: That day, the Kaiyukan Aquarium was bustling with many people.Ja: 家族連れや観光客は、色とりどりの魚や巨大なエイに目を奪われていた。En: Families and tourists were captivated by the colorful fish and giant rays.Ja: そして、その大きな水槽の前にリクとユイが立っていた。En: And there, in front of the large tank, stood Riku and Yui.Ja: 「リク、もうすぐ成人の日だよ。将来のことも考えなきゃいけないんじゃない？」ユイは心配そうに言った。En: "Riku, it's almost Coming-of-Age Day. Shouldn't we start thinking about the future?" Yui said with a worried look.Ja: リクは冒険心旺盛で、未来に対する不安を隠していた。En: Riku was full of adventure and hid his anxiety about the future.Ja: そんな彼にとって、この水族館は新しい冒険への扉のようだった。En: To him, this aquarium felt like a gateway to a new adventure.Ja: 「でも、ユイ、見て。あの水槽の中に瓶が見えるだろう？」リクは指差した。En: "But, Yui, look. Can you see that bottle in the tank?" Riku pointed out.Ja: 確かに、色とりどりの珊瑚の間に小さな瓶が沈んでいた。En: Sure enough, a small bottle was submerged among the colorful corals.Ja: 瓶の中には紙が入っているようだった。En: It seemed to contain a piece of paper.Ja: 「どうしてこんなところに？」ユイは疑問を抱いた。En: "Why is it there?" Yui wondered.Ja: ただの飾り物かもしれないが、リクの心はすでに決まっていた。En: It might have been just a decoration, but Riku had already made up his mind.Ja: 二人は係員に相談し、特別に瓶を取り出してもらうことになった。En: The two consulted with a staff member and were allowed to have the bottle retrieved specially.Ja: そして瓶を開けると、中には短いメッセージが書かれていた。En: When they opened the bottle, they found a short message written inside.Ja: 「探求し続ければ、心の中に答えがある。」En: "If you continue seeking, the answer is within your heart."Ja: それを読むと、リクは考え込んだ。En: Upon reading it, Riku pondered.Ja: 「これはもしかして、次の冒険へのヒントかもしれない。」En: "This might be a hint for the next adventure."Ja: 「リク、それはただのメッセージだよ。もっと現実的になろうよ。」ユイは溜息をついた。En: "Riku, it's just a message. Let's be more realistic." Yui sighed.Ja: 「でも、このメッセージが何かを示しているよ。」リクは言い張った。En: "But this message is pointing to something," Riku insisted.Ja: 「いずれにせよ、未来は自分で切り開かなきゃいけない。それに、心の冒険も重要なんだ。」En: "In any case, I have to carve out my own future. Moreover, the adventure of the heart is important too."Ja: 「分かった、でも、現実の世界も大切にしてね。」ユイはそう言って、仕方なくその場を離れた。En: "Got it, but don't forget to also cherish the real world." Yui said and reluctantly left the spot.Ja: 帰りに二人は近くのカフェに入った。En: On their way back, the two entered a nearby café.Ja: 温かい飲み物を手に、リクは静かに言った。「ユイ、今日は本当に大切なことを学んだよ。En: With a warm drink in hand, Riku quietly said, "Yui, I learned something really important today.Ja: 冒険は外の世界だけじゃなく、自分の中にもあるんだ。」En: Adventures aren't just in the outside world; they're within oneself too."Ja: 「それが分かれば、いい。」ユイは微笑んだ。En: "As long as you understand that, it's good." Yui smiled.Ja: 「これからも一緒にやっていこう。バランスを取りながら。」En: "Let's keep going together. Balancing both."Ja: リクは頷いた。「ありがとう、ユイ。僕もこれからは、もっとしっかり考えるよ。En: Riku nodded. "Thank you, Yui. From now on, I'll think more carefully.Ja: でも、冒険心は忘れない。」En: But I won't forget my spirit of adventure."Ja: 二人はまた笑顔で話し始めた。En: The two began talking again with smiles.Ja: 海遊館の冒険は、彼らにとって一つの新たな出発点となった。En: The adventure at the Kaiyukan Aquarium became a new starting point for them.Ja: 心の中に答えがあると、リクは信じ続けた。En: Riku continued to believe that the answer was within his heart. Vocabulary Words:winter: 冬clear: 澄んでaquarium: 水族館bustling: 賑わってcaptivated: 目を奪われてgiant rays: 巨大なエイgateway: 扉submerged: 沈んでいたcorals: 珊瑚decoration: 飾り物consulted: 相談retrieved: 取り出してpondered: 考え込んだhint: ヒントreluctantly: 仕方なくcherish: 大切にしてcafé: カフェadventure: 冒険spirit: 心smiles: 微笑んだseeking: 探求carve out: 切り開くmessage: メッセージbalancing: バランスを取るstarting point: 新たな出発点future: 未来worry: 心配adventure-loving: 冒険心旺盛heart: 心の中answer: 答え

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Tracks of Mystery: Haruto's Winter Adventure Unfolds Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-01-15-23-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 冬の朝、雪が白く輝く里山。En: On a winter morning, the snow glistened white in the satoyama.Ja: 村の静けさを破るのは、お正月の準備を進める人々の声だけ。En: The only thing breaking the village's silence were the voices of people preparing for the New Year.Ja: その中で、少年の遥斗（Haruto）は特別なことを感じた。En: Among them, a boy named Haruto felt something special.Ja: 「変だな、この足跡…」と彼はつぶやいた。En: "That's strange, these footprints..." he muttered.Ja: 雪の上に何か異様な動物の足跡を見つけたのだ。En: He had found some unusual animal tracks on the snow.Ja: 普通の犬や猫のものではない。En: They weren't from an ordinary dog or cat.Ja: この奇妙な足跡は凍った小川まで続いている。En: These strange tracks extended to the frozen brook.Ja: 遥斗の心はすぐに冒険の予感でいっぱいになった。En: Haruto's heart instantly filled with a sense of adventure.Ja: 「遥斗、おにいちゃん！この足あと、なに？」と妹の結（Yui）が後ろから駆け寄った。En: "Haruto, big brother! What are these footprints?" his younger sister Yui asked, running up behind him.Ja: 彼女は兄の側で、目を輝かせながらその足跡を見つめた。En: She stood beside her brother, her eyes gleaming as she gazed at the footprints.Ja: 「不思議だね。行方を追ってみよう」と遥斗は言うと、気持ちはすでに冒険に飛び込んでいた。En: "It's mysterious, isn't it? Let's follow them," Haruto said, his mind already diving into the adventure.Ja: 一方、農夫の錬（Ren）は、二人に声をかけた。En: Meanwhile, a farmer named Ren called out to them.Ja: 「そんなもんはただのウサギかもしれんよ。このあたりには珍しくないからな」と、どこか半信半疑な様子だ。En: "Those might just be rabbit tracks. They aren't uncommon around here," he said with a somewhat skeptical look.Ja: 「でも、こんな風にまっすぐ続いているよ！」と遥斗は反論した。En: "But they continue so straight like this!" Haruto countered.Ja: 「どんな動物か、突き止めたいんだ。新年にみんなに話せる、面白い話になるから！」En: "I want to find out what kind of animal it is. It will make an interesting story to tell everyone for the New Year!"Ja: 錬は腕を組んで考える。En: Ren crossed his arms and thought.Ja: 「まあ、安全には気をつけろよ。天気が怪しいし、雪も深くなってきてるからな」と彼はアドバイスをしつつも、足跡の行方に興味を抱いている様子だ。En: "Well, just be careful. The weather looks uncertain, and the snow is getting deeper," he advised, though he seemed intrigued by the mystery of the tracks.Ja: 遥斗は決心を固める。「行こう、結！」彼は妹と一緒に足跡を追いかけ始めた。En: Haruto made up his mind. "Let's go, Yui!" He started following the footprints with his sister.Ja: 二人は木立の間を進み、苦労しているが、情熱は止まらない。En: The two of them moved through the grove with effort, but their passion didn't wane.Ja: 雪が深く、時折風が強くて視界が悪くなる。En: The snow was deep, and at times the wind was strong, worsening visibility.Ja: それでも、彼らは後には引けない。En: Even so, they couldn't turn back.Ja: 森の奥へ進むにつれ、足跡はさらに謎めいたものに感じられる。En: As they ventured deeper into the forest, the footprints felt even more mysterious.Ja: とうとう、小さな洞穴に到着した。En: Finally, they arrived at a small cave.Ja: そこには意外にも、珍しい幻影のような白いキツネがいた。En: To their surprise, there was an unusual, phantom-like white fox.Ja: 「なんだ、これは…！」驚きに目を見開く遥斗。En: "What is this...!" Haruto exclaimed, eyes wide with surprise.Ja: 結が彼の袖を引っ張り、興奮した声で言った。「お稲荷さんの使いだよ！」En: Yui, tugging at his sleeve, said excitedly, "It's the messenger of Oinari-san!"Ja: そのとき、急な吹雪が辺りを包み込んだ。En: At that moment, a sudden snowstorm enveloped the area.Ja: 視界を奪われながらも、遥斗たちは洞穴に一時避難することにした。En: Despite their impaired visibility, Haruto and the others decided to temporarily seek refuge in the cave.Ja: 少しの間だけ休み、吹雪が収まるのを祈る。En: They rested for a short while, praying for the storm to pass.Ja: こうした中で、一行は雪景色の美しさと自然の厳しさを改めて実感する。En: In these moments, they renewed their appreciation for the beauty of the snowy landscape and the harshness of nature.Ja: 数時間後、ようやく雪が弱まり、三人は無事に帰路につく。En: A few hours later, the snow finally eased, and the three set off safely back home.Ja: 村に戻り、遥斗はこの出来事をみんなに話すことで、大人たちも興味を抱き、錬も彼の好奇心には感心を抱いた。En: Returning to the village, Haruto told everyone about the event, sparking the adults' interest, and even Ren was impressed by his curiosity.Ja: 遥斗は今回の冒険で、自信を深め、人々の知恵を大事にするようになった。En: Through this adventure, Haruto gained confidence and learned to value the wisdom of others.Ja: 夢中で語る彼の姿に、錬もうなずきながら「よくやったな」と声をかけるのだった。En: Seeing him talk passionately about the experience, Ren nodded and said, "Well done."Ja: 新年、旋律な冬の風景の中、少年たちは雪と動物と人との絆を心に刻む。En: In the melodious winter landscape of the New Year, the children etched the bond between snow, animals, and people into their hearts.Ja: 新たな気付きと共に、彼らはしっかりと未来を見据えて進むのだった。En: With new insights, they steadfastly looked toward the future and moved forward. Vocabulary Words:glistened: 輝くsatoyama: 里山prints: 足跡ordinary: 普通のventure: 冒険skeptical: 半信半疑uncommon: 珍しくないidentity: 突き止めたいuncertain: 怪しいadventure: 冒険effort: 苦労しているworsening: 悪くなるvisibility: 視界mysterious: 謎めいたphantom: 幻影enveloped: 包み込んだrefuge: 避難harshness: 厳しさlandscape: 風景bond: 絆etched: 刻むgleaming: 目を輝かせながらpassion: 情熱tugging: 袖を引っ張りappreciation: 実感するinsight: 気付きwisdom: 知恵melodious: 旋律なcuriosity: 好奇心renewed: 改めて

義平真心さん、張 竣凱さんをお迎えして、2024年10/19-20開催された再来さんや小さい芸術祭と、開催地である山谷地区についてを巡ってさまざまな話をしました。 (0:00- ) Intro (5:15- ) 張さんの芸術祭での活動 (17:23- ) 再来さんや芸術祭の独特なところ／中国の故郷にも山谷と似た労働者の街があった (28:40- ) おじさんによるアート (36:25- ) 義平さんの山谷での活動と目指す先／地名に根ざす自己否定性の解決 (52:25- ) アートと人間らしさ (59:10- )  アートは円滑油／人間の感性ではなく欲を刺激してしまった資本主義 (1:06:15- ) 均質化の教育から脳の多様性へ／全体として大きな円をつくるコーディネーターが必要 (1:17:50- ) 「普通」のコミュニケーションがある場所 ＜TOPICS＞ 山谷についての三保谷のブログ 再来さんや小さい芸術祭 チョウさんの作品（さんや芸術祭初回 玉姫神社にて） 北京のコマァという都市（国贸 棚户区） あいりん総合センター コウイさん（2023発表の作家） ココルーム（釜ヶ崎芸術大学） 窓へのペインティング 有名人の似顔絵描いてる人（再来2年目の時の展示） おかんアート 限界芸術（鶴見俊輔） インクルージョン（社会的包摂） パーソナリティ障害 ニューロダイバーシティ 櫻井さん（再来 2024作家） 渡邉さん（再来 2023年作家） 義平 真心（よしひら まごころ） 2003年11月に任意団体 結(YUI) を立ち上げ、以来団体代表として「地域の信頼関係を重視した山谷のまちづくり」をテーマとし、観光を通した地域の活性化と(元)ホームレス生活者の就労支援・居住支援を目指し活動を続ける。 https://sanya-yui.net/%E5%9B%A3%E4%BD%93%E3%81%AE%E6%A6%82%E8%A6%81/ 張 竣凱（チョウ・シュンガイ） 1997年北京に生まれ。2014年から絵画を学び始めた。北京工業大学デジタル·メディア·アート2019年卒業。武蔵野美術大学大学院映像·写真コース在学中、今は映像·写真·インスタレーション·インタラクション·パフォーマンスの作品を制作している。再来さんや小さい芸術祭ディレクター https://www.instagram.com/kaizi12580/?hl=ja

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Cherry Blossoms & Dreams: A Serendipitous Encounter in Shinjuku Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-01-07-23-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 新宿御苑の静かな朝、桜の花が春の訪れを告げていた。En: On a quiet morning in Shinjuku Gyoen, the cherry blossoms announced the arrival of spring.Ja: 薄曇りの空の下、ユイは一人で園内を散策していた。En: Under a slightly cloudy sky, Yui was strolling alone through the garden.Ja: 彼女は植物学の大学生で、花や緑に囲まれることを愛している。En: She was a university student studying botany, and she loved being surrounded by flowers and greenery.Ja: 人付き合いは苦手だが、心から理解してくれる誰かに出会いたいと思っていた。En: Although she wasn't good with social interactions, she longed to meet someone who truly understood her.Ja: そのころ、カズキも新宿御苑を訪れていた。En: Around that time, Kazuki was also visiting Shinjuku Gyoen.Ja: 彼は出版社で働く新卒社員で、忙しい毎日から一息つくためにこの美しい庭を訪れたのだ。En: He was a new graduate working at a publishing company, and he had come to this beautiful garden to take a breather from his hectic daily life.Ja: 彼は芸術的で思慮深い人物だが、日常の仕事に息苦しさを感じていた。En: He was an artistic and thoughtful person, but felt stifled by the daily routine of his work.Ja: 突然、ポツポツと雨が降り始めた。En: Suddenly, raindrops began to fall.Ja: ユイは慌てて近くの桜の木陰に駆け込んだ。En: Yui hurriedly ran under the nearby shade of a cherry tree.Ja: そしてそこには、同じように雨宿りをしていたカズキがいた。En: There, she found Kazuki, who had also taken shelter from the rain.Ja: 二人は顔を見合わせ、少しの間無言だった。En: They exchanged glances and remained silent for a while.Ja: 静かに降る雨音が周囲を包んでいた。En: The soft sound of the falling rain enveloped their surroundings.Ja: ユイは勇気を出して口を開いた。En: Gathering her courage, Yui spoke up.Ja: 「ここ、いいですね。桜がとてもきれい。」En: "It's nice here. The cherry blossoms are so beautiful."Ja: カズキは微笑んで頷いた。En: Kazuki smiled and nodded.Ja: 「本当にそうですね。こうやって自然を感じるのは久しぶりです。」En: "They really are. It's been a while since I've felt this connected to nature."Ja: 二人は少しずつ話を始めた。En: The two slowly began to converse.Ja: ユイは植物のことを、カズキは自分の好きな本や、実は作家になりたいという密かな夢を語った。En: Yui talked about plants, while Kazuki shared his love for books and his secret dream of becoming a writer.Ja: 普段は口数の少ないユイが、自然に言葉を続けた。En: Normally not very talkative, Yui found herself continuing the conversation naturally.Ja: そしてカズキも、彼女の話を聞きながら自分の夢を話すことで、次第に心が軽くなっていった。En: And Kazuki, as he listened to her, found his own heart growing lighter as he spoke about his dreams.Ja: 雨はやがて止み、空は明るさを取り戻した。En: Eventually, the rain stopped and the sky regained its brightness.Ja: しかし、二人の会話は続いた。En: However, their conversation continued.Ja: 桜の木の下でお互いの夢を語り合ううちに、二人は自分たちが探し求めていたものが目の前にあることに気付いた。En: As they shared their dreams under the cherry tree, they realized that what they had been searching for was right in front of them.Ja: 「一緒に何かできれば面白そうだね。」カズキはそう言い、光る瞳でユイを見つめた。En: "It would be interesting if we could do something together," Kazuki said, gazing at Yui with shining eyes.Ja: ユイも大きく頷いた。En: Yui nodded enthusiastically.Ja: 「自然とアート、良いコンビネーションだと思う。」En: "Nature and art, I think it's a great combination."Ja: この出会いをきっかけに、ユイは人とのつながりを大切に思うようになった。En: This encounter led Yui to value her connections with people more.Ja: そしてカズキはユイの応援を受けて、作家としての夢を追う決意を新たにした。En: And encouraged by Yui, Kazuki renewed his determination to pursue his dream of becoming a writer.Ja: 二人は新宿御苑をあとにし、次の計画を胸に秘めながら歩いていった。En: They left Shinjuku Gyoen, walking forward with their next plans in mind.Ja: この日、彼らは新しい一歩を共に踏み出したのだった。En: On this day, they took a new step together. Vocabulary Words:quiet: 静かなstrolling: 散策していたsurrounded: 囲まれるinteractions: 人付き合いlonged: 出会いたいと思っていたhectic: 忙しいartistic: 芸術的thoughtful: 思慮深いstifled: 息苦しさを感じてraindrops: 雨がhurriedly: 慌ててshelter: 雨宿りglances: 顔を見合わせenveloped: 包んでいたcourage: 勇気smiled: 微笑んでconverse: 話を始めたsecret: 密かなdream: 夢talkative: 口数の少ないnaturally: 自然にsurroundings: 周囲realized: 気付いたconnected: つながりencouraged: 応援determination: 決意pursue: 追うregained: 取り戻したcombination: コンビネーションencounter: 出会い

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Illuminating Friendship: Reunion Under the Winter Lights Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-01-03-08-38-19-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 新しい年が始まり、冬の夜が静かに進む中、栃木県にある足利フラワーパークは、鮮やかなイルミネーションで輝いていました。En: As the new year began and the winter nights progressed quietly, Tochigi prefecture's Ashikaga Flower Park was glowing with vibrant illuminations.Ja: 広く続く光のトンネル、色とりどりの電球がウィステリアを模した壮大さを生み出していました。En: The vast tunnel of lights, with colorful bulbs, created a grandeur mimicking the wisteria.Ja: 「すごい！」とYuiは声を上げ、カメラを構えました。En: "Amazing!" Yui exclaimed, raising her camera.Ja: 彼女はこれらの美しい瞬間を写真に収めたいと、夢中でシャッターを切っています。En: She was enthusiastically capturing these beautiful moments, snapping the shutter incessantly.Ja: Takumiは穏やかにその様子を見ながら、ホットチョコレートを手にしゆっくりと歩いていました。En: Takumi watched her calmly, holding hot chocolate in his hand, and walking slowly.Ja: Shogatsuの特別な雰囲気のこの夜、Harutoは少し緊張しながら友人たちとここにいました。En: On this night filled with the special atmosphere of Shogatsu, Haruto was there with his friends, feeling a bit nervous.Ja: 昨年、Harutoは個人的な問題で離れていました。そして、今日はその距離を埋めたいと思っていました。En: The previous year, Haruto had been distant due to personal issues and now wanted to bridge that gap today.Ja: しかし、どうやって自分の気持ちを伝えるか、まだ迷っていました。En: However, he was still unsure how to express his feelings.Ja: Harutoはふと立ち止まり、イルミネーションの美しい光のトンネルを見上げました。En: Haruto suddenly stopped and looked up at the beautiful illuminated tunnel of light.Ja: 「この瞬間しかない」と自分に言い聞かせ、勇気を出して話し始めました。En: "There's no other moment," he told himself and gathered the courage to start speaking.Ja: 「Yui、Takumi、ここでの光みたいに鮮やかな時間を取り戻したいんだ。En: "Yui, Takumi, I want to regain time as vibrant as these lights here.Ja: 今年、もっと一緒に過ごしたい。En: I want to spend more time together this year.Ja: 昨年は本当に申し訳なく思っている。」En: I'm really sorry for last year."Ja: Harutoの言葉に、Yuiは後ろを振り返って微笑みました。En: At Haruto's words, Yui turned around and smiled.Ja: 「Haruto、だいじょうぶ！今ここにいるということが何よりも大切だよ。」En: "Haruto, it's okay! The fact that you're here now is what's most important."Ja: 彼女の声は明るく、優しさでいっぱいでした。En: Her voice was bright and filled with kindness.Ja: Takumiは頷き、Harutoの肩を軽く叩きました。En: Takumi nodded and gently patted Haruto on the shoulder.Ja: 「みんな、いつも友達だ。En: "We're always friends, no matter what.Ja: 何があっても、ここに戻ってきてくれて嬉しい。」En: I'm glad you're back with us."Ja: Harutoは胸の中に温かさを感じました。En: Haruto felt a warmth inside his chest.Ja: 彼は孤独から解放され、再び居場所を見つけたように思いました。En: He felt liberated from loneliness and as if he had found his place once more.Ja: 友人たちは微笑んで、夜の空に輝く無数の光と共に新しい年のスタートを祝っていました。En: His friends smiled, celebrating the start of the new year along with the countless lights shining in the night sky.Ja: そして、三人は一緒にパークの中を歩き続けました。En: Then, the three of them continued walking together through the park.Ja: Harutoは自分がどれほど友人を大切に思っているかを実感しました。En: Haruto realized how much he cherished his friends.Ja: 彼の言葉が届いたこと、そしてこれからの時間が楽しみでたまりませんでした。En: Knowing his words had reached them, he was immensely looking forward to the coming times.Ja: イルミネーションが輝き続ける中、彼らは新しい一歩を踏み出しました。En: As the illuminations continued to glow, they took a new step forward.Ja: 友情は、一瞬の勇気と心の表現で再び結びつき、Harutoは仲間と共にその喜びを心に刻みました。En: Friendship was once again bonded through a moment of courage and heartfelt expression, and Haruto cherished that joy with his friends in his heart. Vocabulary Words:progressed: 進むprefecture: 県glowing: 輝いているvibrant: 鮮やかなgrandeur: 壮大さenthusiastically: 夢中でshutter: シャッターincessantly: 途切れなくcalmly: 穏やかにhot chocolate: ホットチョコレートspecial atmosphere: 特別な雰囲気nervous: 緊張しているdistant: 離れているpersonal issues: 個人的な問題bridge: 埋めるgathered: 集めたprevious: 昨年のillumination: イルミネーションmoment: 瞬間courage: 勇気acknowledgement: 頷きpat: 叩くregain: 取り戻すexpress: 表現するliberated: 解放されるloneliness: 孤独cherished: 大切にするimmensely: 非常にbonded: 結びつくheartfelt: 心からの

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.

Oh great now there's two of them! David and Jordan give their first thoughts on Shonen Jump manga Yui Kamio Lets Loose. Listen in as they give an overview of the first chapter, where they think it will go from there, and ultimately their “power word” to describe the series so far. They also dive into some listener questions.  Show Notes: • You can reach us at Twitter @shonenflopcast or email us shonenflop@gmail.com • 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. • 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 • 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 • 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 Shannon (IG: illuminyatea) 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: Capturing Love: A Heartfelt Autumn in Pictures Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2024-10-29-22-34-03-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 雲が空を覆い、秋の風が冷たく感じられる。En: Clouds covered the sky, and the autumn wind felt cold.Ja: 町の郊外にある公園は、紅葉の名所として知られている。En: The park on the outskirts of the town is known as a famous spot for viewing colorful leaves.Ja: この日は、色とりどりの葉が地面を覆い、景色はとても美しい。En: On this day, leaves of various colors covered the ground, creating a stunning scene.Ja: 春香（はるか）は、その公園で最高の秋景色の写真を撮りたいと考えていた。En: Haruka wanted to capture the best autumn scene photos in that park.Ja: 彼女のカメラは首にかけられ、目は完璧なショットを求めて輝いている。En: Her camera hung around her neck, and her eyes sparkled in search of the perfect shot.Ja: 「春香、おはよう！」と元気よく言うのは、彼女の従兄妹（いとこ）、結衣（ゆい）だ。En: "Haruka, good morning!" cheerfully said her cousin, Yui.Ja: 結衣は都会から訪れ、この日をとても楽しみにしていた。En: Yui had come from the city and was really looking forward to this day.Ja: その横には、春香の幼馴染（おさななじみ）である聡（さとし）が立っている。En: Beside her, Haruka's childhood friend, Satoshi, was standing.Ja: 彼は長い間、春香に特別な感情を抱いていたが、まだその気持ちを伝えられずにいた。En: He had harbored special feelings for Haruka for a long time but had yet to express those feelings.Ja: 「天気、少し心配だね」と聡は小声で言った。En: "I'm a bit worried about the weather," Satoshi said quietly.Ja: 天気予報では、午後に雨が降るかもしれないと言っていた。En: The weather forecast had mentioned that it might rain in the afternoon.Ja: しかし、春香は決意していた。En: However, Haruka was determined.Ja: 「行こう！最高の写真を撮らなきゃ」と彼女は笑顔で答える。En: "Let's go! I must take the best picture," she replied with a smile.Ja: 公園に着くと、葉が赤や金色に輝いているのを見て、春香の心は踊った。En: When they reached the park, seeing the leaves shining in red and gold made Haruka's heart dance.Ja: 結衣は「この景色、映画みたい！」と大声で感動を表しながら、あちこちを走り回る。En: Yui exclaimed, "This scene is just like a movie!" as she ran around, expressing her amazement.Ja: 聡は春香の隣で歩き、言いたいことを考えながら、心がそわそわとしていた。En: Satoshi walked beside Haruka, his mind restless as he contemplated what he wanted to say.Ja: 春香はカメラを構え、絶好のシャッターチャンスを待っていた。En: Haruka held her camera ready, waiting for the perfect moment to snap.Ja: その瞬間、急に風が強まり、葉が空に舞った。En: At that instant, a sudden gust of wind sent the leaves swirling into the sky.Ja: 春香は一瞬驚いたが、その情景を逃さずにシャッターを切った。En: Though momentarily surprised, Haruka didn't miss the shot.Ja: 「すごい！これ、コンテストで賞もらえるかも！」結衣は歓声を上げた。En: "Amazing! You might win a prize in a contest with this!" Yui exclaimed in excitement.Ja: その時、聡は心を決めた。En: At that moment, Satoshi made up his mind.Ja: 「春香、大事な話があるんだ」と、彼は少し緊張しながら言った。En: "Haruka, I have something important to tell you," he said, a bit nervously.Ja: 春香はカメラから顔を上げて、聡を見つめた。En: Haruka lifted her face from the camera to look at Satoshi.Ja: 「何？」En: "What is it?"Ja: 「ずっと好きだった。でも言えなかった」と、聡ははっきりと告白した。En: "I've always liked you, but I couldn't say it," Satoshi confessed honestly.Ja: ちょうどその時、空からぽつぽつと雨が降り始めた。En: Just then, raindrops began to fall from the sky.Ja: 三人は急いで近くのあずまやに駆け込んだ。En: The three of them hurried to a nearby gazebo.Ja: 雨音が心地よく響く中、春香は聡に向き合い、「ありがとう」と素直に言った。En: In the soothing sound of the rain, Haruka faced Satoshi and simply said, "Thank you."Ja: 雨が降る中、葉はなお美しく舞い続け、春香はその光景に新しい美しさを見いだした。En: Despite the rain, the leaves continued to dance beautifully, and Haruka discovered a new beauty in that scene.Ja: 写真だけでなく、人との関係もまた、予測できない美しさや意外な展開で魅力的になるかもしれない、そう感じた。En: She realized that not only photographs but also relationships with people could become enchanting through unpredictable beauty and unexpected developments.Ja: 「これからもよろしくね」と、春香は微笑み、聡の心は温かくなった。En: "Let's keep this up," Haruka smiled, warming Satoshi's heart.Ja: やがて雨が上がり、三人は再び公園の中を歩き始めた。En: Eventually, the rain stopped, and the three of them started walking through the park again.Ja: それぞれの心には、新しい決意と、これからの未来への期待が満ちていた。En: Each of their hearts was filled with new resolve and expectations for the future.Ja: 紅葉と共に、彼らの関係もまた、新しい色を見つけようとしていた。En: Like the fall foliage, their relationship was also finding new colors. Vocabulary Words:outskirts: 郊外sparkled: 輝いてdetermined: 決意していたgust: 強まりswirling: 舞ったcontest: コンテストgazebo: あずまやunexpected: 意外なdevelopment: 展開resolve: 決意shining: 輝いてencounters: 出会いharbored: 抱いていたconfessed: 告白したrestless: そわそわsoothing: 心地よくenchanting: 魅力的exclaimed: 驚嘆したanticipated: 楽しみにしていたcaptured: 捉えたexpress: 伝えられずstunning: 美しいstrained: 努力したunpredictable: 予測できないfoliage: 紅葉cherished: 大事にされてcame across: 遭遇したsentiments: 感情delighted: 嬉しかったdepicted: 描写した

Al and Kev talk about the Sakuna anime Timings 00:00:00: Theme Tune 00:00:30: Intro 00:01:38: What Have We Been Up To 00:16:25: Game News 00:31:01: New Games 00:35:10: Sakuna Anime 01:18:00: Outro Links Winds of Anthos DLC Delay Wanderstop Delay Amber Isle Switch Delay Everholm Release Steamworld Build “Steam Fright” Update Disney Dreamlight Valley “Jungle Getaway” Update Hawthorn Contact Al on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheScotBot Al on Mastodon: https://mastodon.scot/@TheScotBot Email Us: https://harvestseason.club/contact/ Transcript (0:00:30) Al: Hello farmers, and welcome to another episode of The Harvest Season. My name is Al, and (0:00:36) Kev: My name is Kevin. (0:00:38) Al: we are here today to talk about Cottagecore games! Wooooo! Well, both, like we do have (0:00:40) Kev: No, we’re here to talk about ‘an-a-me’! (0:00:46) Kev: Heh heh, oh. (0:00:46) Al: the news section, you know, which will probably be most of the episode. Kevin is of course (0:00:51) Kev: I guess so? (0:00:55) Al: referring to the fact that we are going to talk about the Sakana of rice and (0:01:00) Al: ruin anime that came out recently we tried to do this two weeks in a row one (0:01:09) Al: week the last episode hadn’t come out in the UK so I needed to wait for that one (0:01:15) Al: and then last weekend I was six so that did not work but here we are we’re gonna (0:01:18) Kev: sick (0:01:21) Al: we’re gonna we’re gonna actually do it this time we’re recording (0:01:22) Kev: finally, we made it (0:01:26) Kev: um, yeah, alright, but we’ll get to that (0:01:28) Al: We will get to that. (0:01:30) Kev: i- I have a lot to say, I like sakuna (0:01:30) Al: I look forward to discussing it with you. (0:01:33) Kev: did you know that? (0:01:36) Al: Before that, we have a bunch of game news. (0:01:39) Al: But first of all, Kevin, what have you been up to? (0:01:42) Kev: All right, um, not too much of note a lot of the same as always Marvel snap continues to be good (0:01:50) Kev: I’m sure you’re playing it still. Are you are you playing it? I’m assuming you’re (0:01:50) Al: Hmm (0:01:52) Al: I haven’t I haven’t played much this season yet (0:01:57) Al: Just because I was trying to put some of that time into (0:02:01) Al: Pokemon pocket instead, but I’ve realized I (0:02:02) Kev: Mm-hmm (0:02:06) Al: Not enjoying the battles in that so I’m not going to (0:02:08) Kev: Wait, is that already out ah (0:02:11) Al: Okay, so no it is not (0:02:15) Kev: Are you a New Zealand transplant (0:02:15) Al: It’s I’m I am in New Zealand just now (0:02:20) Al: I (0:02:22) Kev: Amazing you got your whole set up because identical set up real quick and you see (0:02:29) Al: Just happened to live in New Zealand, um, yeah, eh, I mean I guess for tax purposes. I’m not actually in New Zealand (0:02:38) Al: Just in case anyone’s listening (0:02:39) Kev: Hey (0:02:42) Al: Yeah, so I I don’t find the battling fun in that so (0:02:46) Kev: Okay, well (0:02:46) Al: Um, I’m probably going to go back to, uh, back to snap and. (0:02:50) Kev: Sick, um, I’m sure you can. Oh, it’s yeah (0:02:50) Al: Uh, see if I can get the season done in the, in the next two weeks. (0:02:55) Al: I’m sure I probably can. (0:02:57) Al: I actually, I quite like leaving gaps where I’m not playing because then you (0:03:00) Al: have loads of tasks to do in the, in the season, um, rather than like every, (0:03:02) Kev: Yeah (0:03:04) Kev: Sure. Yeah, you can (0:03:06) Al: every two days you get another two tasks. (0:03:07) Kev: Yeah, just the drip feed (0:03:08) Al: You’re like, great. (0:03:09) Kev: Yeah, that makes sense (0:03:12) Kev: Okay, well, you know what I was talking about like how does pocket play like (0:03:18) Al: Yeah, fundamentally, it’s not really different from the Pokémon Trading Card game. There’s (0:03:22) Kev: Uh-huh sure you attach energies your pokemons (0:03:25) Al: like a couple… Yeah, exactly, exactly. The cards are basically the same. Sure, they have (0:03:30) Al: some different cards, but fundamentally, they’re the same thing. The trainer cards are fundamentally (0:03:37) Al: exactly the same. The energy is different in so much as you don’t have them in your (0:03:43) Al: deck it’s like a separate thing and it randomly gives you (0:03:48) Al: energy each turn based on the energies that your Pokemon have. I do think I (0:03:49) Kev: Oh, that’s, okay, that’s an interesting way to approach it. (0:03:56) Al: prefer that and I think if I were to like play the game physically I would (0:04:02) Al: probably prefer to do it this way right like you take all your trainer cards (0:04:04) Al: and shuffle them into a second deck and you draw one of those each turn I quite (0:04:08) Al: like that but yeah it’s it’s not fundamentally different right like if (0:04:14) Al: if you don’t particularly enjoy playing the game. (0:04:18) Al: I think, I guess the reason I enjoy playing Marvel Snap is because one, it’s like super (0:04:24) Al: fast, right? (0:04:26) Kev: They are. It’s a limited pool, but every card does something different. It’s really interesting how they’ve managed to keep it dynamic and interesting with every week a new card. (0:04:27) Al: And two, the card effects are really fun. (0:04:44) Al: yeah exactly exactly whereas the pokemon is still just like you have your pokemon (0:04:49) Al: it has a move and the move deals damage maybe the move has a status effect that’s it right (0:04:51) Kev: - Yeah, yep. (0:04:55) Al: like there’s nothing fundamentally changed there and so I don’t find that particularly interesting (0:04:57) Kev: Yeah. (0:04:57) Kev: Yeah. (0:05:01) Al: uh you’re only using one pokemon to battle each time as you as you were previously um like (0:05:07) Al: fundamentally it’s the same it’s just kind of changed up a few things and I i think the reason (0:05:14) Al: way is so that they can like it’s compatible with the physical card game so if you wanted (0:05:20) Kev: Mm-hmm. Okay. Sure. All right. That’s that’s cool. I guess yeah (0:05:20) Al: to play the game this way you could absolutely play it this way so and I understand why they (0:05:27) Al: did that I i get that because if they want to like add it as like a second way of playing the card (0:05:31) Al: game and in tournaments wherever they can do that and that that might be fun um but that’s not what (0:05:38) Al: i’m looking for I was looking for something kind of fundamentally different I think part of the (0:05:42) Al: the problem is the expectations. (0:05:44) Al: People were comparing it to Snap with no real information, just going, “Oh, it’s (0:05:52) Al: going to be like Snap because they’re trying to make it more mobile and Snap worked really (0:05:56) Al: well. (0:05:57) Al: It was a good card game.” (0:05:58) Al: But it’s not. (0:06:00) Al: Fundamentally it’s not Marvel Snap. (0:06:03) Al: It’s not in any way. (0:06:06) Al: I guess you could argue the only thing it takes from Marvel Snap is the idea of quicker battles. (0:06:12) Al: It’s not fundamentally different. (0:06:14) Al: And the other issue I think is because it’s like there are 160 cards or something like that so far in the game. (0:06:25) Al: So to actually be able to get a decent deck that you can take people on with takes a lot of work. (0:06:32) Al: Whereas because there’s a lot fewer cards in Snap and there are so many different ways to get the cards without paying, (0:06:40) Kev: Yeah, yeah, it’s also what a well far deck in Snat, so yeah, that’s probably the biggest one. (0:06:40) Al: You you can get a decent deck pretty quickly (0:06:44) Al: It is yeah, so it’s 20. I think it’s it’s 20 cards in in pocket (0:06:52) Kev: Okay, all right. (0:06:54) Al: Because you don’t have the energy but yeah, it’s still I’m gonna keep using it and like opening and collecting (0:07:00) Al: But I think that’s what I’m gonna like unless they fundamentally change something about the battles (0:07:04) Al: I’m not gonna put any time into that and so yeah, I’ll do my five minutes a day of open the packets (0:07:11) Al: Do a wonder pick (0:07:13) Al: Check my collection (0:07:14) Al: And then close the app because I like collecting things, you know (0:07:18) Kev: There you go. Hit your dopamine hit. (0:07:20) Al: Exactly exactly and hopefully spend no money on it (0:07:26) Al: So, yeah, i’ll get back into snap this week probably try and get through as much as possible and see if it’s (0:07:30) Kev: All right, well, it’s it is still good. (0:07:34) Kev: The season’s been fine. (0:07:36) Al: Yeah, i’m excited (0:07:37) Al: I might I might try and go back to a destroy deck and try and add in some of the the new symbiotes (0:07:40) Kev: Yeah. Yep. (0:07:44) Al: Could integrate into any of my other decks. Um, they look they look quite fun (0:07:49) Al: They’ve been rolling them out slowly. Haven’t they? I think they’ve been doing one a week of those (0:07:52) Kev: Yeah, yeah, there’s there stay there. That’s what they do standard. Yeah, I want a weekend (0:07:57) Kev: Well, we’ve got like two or three left one the one I’m excited for I think is next week (0:08:02) Kev: Maybe we can I don’t know but the one the one wants not out yet. But um, they’ve been fine. Nothing earth-shattering. Nothing (0:08:09) Kev: Disrupting the game. I think the (0:08:12) Al: It keeps the good decks being good, and it doesn’t make anything else better. (0:08:12) Kev: It’s in a good place (0:08:15) Kev: Yeah, yeah (0:08:18) Kev: Yeah, pretty much pretty much they never (0:08:19) Al: Yeah, so we’ll see if I can get up to infinite again, and if I do it with the same deck or (0:08:22) Kev: white widow though. I’m sad (0:08:26) Kev: Hey (0:08:27) Al: a different deck or whatever. (0:08:28) Kev: Yeah, well, hey, you’re gonna start off at 70 right? So the (0:08:31) Al: Yeah. (0:08:32) Kev: Fights gonna be easier on you. There. Yep. There you go. All right (0:08:32) Al: 73. (0:08:33) Al: Come on, I know my deal. (0:08:36) Kev: Shhh, um, heh heh heh heh. (0:08:39) Al: The moment I hit infinite, I was like, oh, right. (0:08:42) Al: I need what I go down to, it’s like, because my worry was I don’t want to like battle (0:08:45) Kev: Okay (0:08:46) Al: and then drop out of infinite, but you don’t do that. (0:08:49) Al: Once you’re in infinite, that’s it. (0:08:50) Kev: Yeah, nope, you’re good which is so nice (0:08:51) Al: Which I really like. (0:08:53) Al: Yep. (0:08:54) Kev: huge (0:08:55) Kev: sigh of relief (0:08:57) Kev: But yeah snap aside (0:09:00) Kev: a lot of the usual zenless on zero I’ve talked about that so (0:09:05) Kev: There’s an arcade in zenless zone zero where you can play mini games or side games because some of them are not so mini (0:09:12) Kev: I’ve been spending a lot of time in the cause (0:09:16) Kev: Bizarre brigade that’s the name of the minigame. It’s their little version of bullet-heaven games vampire survivor type games (0:09:24) Kev: And so you’re just going through ways of enemies buying upgrades and partners and stuff like that (0:09:32) Kev: It’s it’s just addictive and it’s no danger of spending any money. It’s totally separate from west the gate (0:09:41) Kev: But other than that, I’ve picked up Sonic Frontier. (0:09:45) Kev: It is good. It’s still good. I like it. (0:09:50) Kev: I don’t know what else to say. It’s open-world Sonic work, somehow. (0:09:57) Kev: It’s fine. Yeah. Yeah, that’s fair. (0:09:58) Al: I’ve still, I’ve still, I’ve still never got into it. I played it for a couple of hours (0:10:02) Al: and we’re just, I don’t know what it was, but just like every, I think it’s just every, (0:10:08) Al: it’s the same as every 3D Sonic to me. This is something that doesn’t really jive with (0:10:13) Al: me in 3D Sonic. Except the 3D levels and generations, they worked. (0:10:15) Kev: It’s not. Well, hey, I mean, hey, that’s coming again. (0:10:19) Al: Yeah. Well, exactly. Exactly. Soon. Two weeks. (0:10:20) Kev: So get hyped. Yeah. Yeah. (0:10:26) Kev: That’s excited for that. But yeah, I think. Oh, and I’ve been playing the Luigi Mansion 2 on my 3DS. (0:10:36) Kev: Hey, well, you find me on a Mario Party podcast and it’s October. So guess what? That’s our spooky game of the year. (0:10:43) Al: We just got a spoiler as to which one of you is playing. (0:10:46) Kev: But yeah, there you go. What about you? What’s been going on? (0:10:52) Al: I have been playing Zelda Echoes of Wisdom and it is super fun! (0:10:59) Kev: Oh yeah, you look so fun, so many dank memes and just, ugh, all of games are just tools to do nonsense, I love it so much. (0:11:08) Al: I do there’s a couple of things I’m not a huge fan about it in so much as like it has (0:11:14) Al: a bunch of okay has two has two as far as I know I don’t think there’s gonna be any (0:11:19) Al: more based on what’s happened in the story but I’ve encountered two stealth levels and (0:11:27) Al: I do not like stealth levels I don’t like them at all I’ve never liked them I don’t (0:11:32) Al: like them in spider-man I don’t like them in this game I don’t like them in any game (0:11:38) Al: definitely not fun because well first of all it’s a different way of playing than the (0:11:42) Al: rest of the game and suddenly they’re like oh hey you got to do this thing that you haven’t (0:11:46) Al: bothered doing the rest of the time completely switch up how you think about the game and (0:11:51) Al: I also don’t like how they go like the step stealth is like oh you just throw you back (0:11:56) Al: to the beginning of the level and that’s that you know I don’t I don’t like that because (0:12:01) Al: it’s just then you’re just repeating the thing that you keep failing at which yeah okay sounds (0:12:06) Al: just like any game with levels. (0:12:08) Al: But there’s something about it that’s really– (0:12:11) Al: you get right to the end of a stealth level (0:12:13) Al: and you muck up one thing and you’re back to the beginning. (0:12:15) Kev: Yeah, yeah, well, that’s, that’s odd that they put it because I don’t know. (0:12:15) Al: I don’t know why that annoys me more than, say, (0:12:18) Al: a Mario platformer. (0:12:20) Al: I don’t know, but it’s really frustrating. (0:12:29) Al: It makes sense in the story, is what I would say, but I don’t want to spoil the picture. (0:12:29) Kev: It doesn’t, okay, sure. (0:12:34) Kev: Um, the question I have is, do you still have tools, right? (0:12:40) Al: Yeah, you do. (0:12:40) Kev: because there’s, there are some stealth levels where, or gameplay, where you. (0:12:45) Kev: Just, it’s just totally dodge all the, the lasers and spotlights or whatever, right? (0:12:50) Kev: Stay invisible. (0:12:52) Kev: And then some like Spider-Man, where you still have your tools and you can use them, doing (0:12:57) Kev: your stealth thing or whatever, right? (0:13:00) Kev: You can take out foes before you get detected. (0:13:02) Al: Well, I think Spider-Man’s a bad example of that. Spider-Man’s a bad example of that, (0:13:06) Al: because most of the stealth levels in the newer Spider-Mans, you’re actually playing as Mary Jane, (0:13:13) Al: not a Spider-Man. I know the ones you mean. I think there are some stuff, and actually, (0:13:14) Kev: Oh, oh my gosh, I forgot about Mary Jane. I was thinking about like when you know, you have a room of encounters. Yes (0:13:21) Al: those are fun, yeah, because that’s more of like a puzzle, whereas the Mary Jane levels are just like (0:13:23) Kev: Yes (0:13:26) Kev: Yeah, yeah (0:13:29) Kev: Yeah, just of you know, avoid the spotlights, you know (0:13:29) Al: hide behind this thing, wait for them to- (0:13:32) Al: not look at you, it’s just not fun. (0:13:35) Kev: Well, well (0:13:35) Al: They tried to make it more fun in Spider-Man 2 because they gave her a teaser, which did (0:13:40) Kev: Uh-huh (0:13:40) Al: improve it but was still not- I still didn’t enjoy it. (0:13:44) Kev: » Sure, sure that, okay. (0:13:45) Al: Because you’ve got this game about I’m, you know, spinning around the world, I’m like, (0:13:50) Al: you know, whip-lying, whatever, and then suddenly I’m just a person. (0:13:53) Kev: » But don’t you wanna play? (0:13:55) Al: Not fun. (0:13:56) Al: Yeah, no one’s buying the Mary Jane game, let’s be honest, right? (0:14:01) Kev: My gosh, but yeah, but no, that’s exactly my point. (0:14:04) Kev: That’s how far the spectrum goes, right? (0:14:06) Kev: Like there’s the good self and the bad self, but anyway, so (0:14:10) Al: So what I would say is you do have all those tools, (0:14:13) Al: so you can do everything that you could. (0:14:16) Al: But I found that when I was trying to do stuff like that, (0:14:20) Al: clever stuff like that, to like– (0:14:22) Al: they would somehow see me in the weirdest places. (0:14:25) Al: And I’d lose the level. (0:14:28) Al: And actually, it was easier just to hide, which is not great, (0:14:28) Kev: They can’t see you at the top of a tower of veg, you know. (0:14:33) Al: really. (0:14:34) Al: But yeah, I don’t– (0:14:40) Al: exactly. (0:14:41) Al: I will say the one good thing about these (0:14:42) Al: compared to other stealth levels is if you get seen, (0:14:46) Al: they chase after you. (0:14:47) Al: But if they don’t catch you, you don’t (0:14:49) Kev: Oh, that’s always nice, not an autofail, that’s… (0:14:49) Al: get put to the back at the start. (0:14:51) Al: So yeah, so I’ve seen people speed running them (0:14:57) Al: with throwing tables behind them to block the people running (0:15:01) Al: after them. (0:15:02) Al: And that, I think, is a good thing. (0:15:05) Al: But I didn’t see that until after I’d done them. (0:15:08) Al: I didn’t, I didn’t consider speedro- (0:15:10) Al: I was running it. Um, but yeah, I did try like, you know, I’m going to build beds over this area so I can, but they still saw me and I’m like, Oh, it’s not. So anyway, so been playing that. I’ve also played a bit of Bellattro now that it’s on, uh, mobile. (0:15:24) Kev: Oh mobile, I gotta get I gotta get it. I will (0:15:27) Al: This game, I get why everybody likes it and I don’t dislike it is what I will say. I don’t know how much I want to talk about this because people are just going to mock me for buying a rogue light again. (0:15:33) Kev: Okay (0:15:39) Kev: I mean, that’s the hope on this show. I think (0:15:41) Al: Actually, no. This isn’t even a roguelite. This is a roguelike. (0:15:44) Al: Everything resets between runs in there. There’s nothing that carries over. (0:15:46) Kev: Yeah, oh, yeah (0:15:49) Al: I knew it was a roguelite going in. I did. But I somehow thought the roguelike part of it was (0:15:55) Al: going to be different than it was. I think that’s all I’m going to say. It doesn’t mean I’m not (0:15:59) Kev: Okay, well… (0:16:00) Al: going to continue playing it until I beat it. I might. The actual gameplay of it is fun enough (0:16:06) Al: that it might, might override that. (0:16:08) Kev: Yeah. (0:16:09) Kev: Yeah, well, I’m excited. I’ll update you when I get it too. (0:16:14) Al: look forward to it. I just, I like how it’s nice and cheap, it’s like 10 quid. (0:16:14) Kev: Because I know when I get it, it’s over for me. Goodbye, world. (0:16:18) Kev: And Galacto only. (0:16:24) Kev: That is great. (0:16:25) Al: All right, well that’s what we’ve been up to. Let’s talk about some game news. First up, (0:16:33) Al: surprise surprise, the Harvest Moon Winds of Anthos great outdoors update has been delayed again. (0:16:44) Al: Last week’s episode when you talked about this, but my first thought when I saw this news was (0:16:49) Al: they’re delaying it by a week. A week is a very short amount of time to be delaying it. (0:16:55) Al: That seems weird and suspicious, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it get delayed again. (0:17:00) Al: It got delayed again. (0:17:00) Kev: I didn’t think about that but you’re super right like what is the difference gonna gonna make in game dev I don’t actually don’t know what we could do. (0:17:10) Al: The one thing I would think is they’d realized one game-breaking bug, and they knew the fix (0:17:19) Al: to it so they could do it, and the week was just to like get it through their testing and their (0:17:23) Kev: Mmm, sure. (0:17:25) Al: processes to get it actually into the stores. But that didn’t work. So either that’s wrong, (0:17:30) Kev: Sure, sure, yeah (0:17:34) Al: and they were just completely overly optimistic about what they were doing, right? Like who two (0:17:38) Al: weeks away from release, who goes. (0:17:40) Al: We’re not going to be able to get this done in time, but I know we’ll get it (0:17:52) Al: fine in an extra week. (0:17:54) Al: That’s a really weird decision to make, right? (0:17:58) Al: Which they’ve clearly decided because they haven’t put a new date on it. (0:18:01) Al: They’ve just said it’s delayed. (0:18:02) Kev: I said one week later, but not which week, huh? (0:18:10) Al: no so yeah if you’re waiting for that update i’m very sorry yeah and I guess we’ll see we’ll see (0:18:16) Kev: Wait longer (0:18:20) Al: when it eventually comes out uh speaking of delays because we are still in the season of delays (0:18:26) Al: because it is october uh wonder stop um have delayed they are going to be releasing next year (0:18:32) Al: this is the game that’s from the the creators of stanley parable uh (0:18:36) Kev: Okay, I’m looking let me see (0:18:40) Al: it’s the it’s about making tea (0:18:43) Kev: That that you know that is such a weird (0:18:47) Kev: Cell right it’s a T game, but it’s the Stanley Parable guy so (0:18:52) Al: No, I think that’s honestly I think that that like makes me more interested. So I like the (0:18:54) Kev: Unless it’s gonna give (0:19:00) Al: tea making aspect, right? Because I like the idea of a more focused game. That’s also a (0:19:08) Al: farming game, also a cottagecore type game is more focused. And it’s not I don’t, I don’t (0:19:10) Kev: Yeah, no, no, I mean like the tea game (0:19:15) Al: necessarily expect it to be like the Stanley Parable. I think it’s more just like the Stanley (0:19:19) Al: parable people understand. (0:19:22) Kev: okay tour yeah all right when you put like that yeah I that makes sense right (0:19:27) Kev: but you know just when you hear Stanley Parable your ex a lot of people was (0:19:33) Kev: thinking oh is there gonna be some weird meta narrative component to it how’s (0:19:38) Kev: it’s gonna break the fourth wall but like yeah no looking at the trailer (0:19:39) Al: Yeah, I understand. Yeah, I don’t think we’re going I don’t think it’s going to be that I think the Stanley Parable was them just breaking down games and showing because that’s all it is. Right. It’s just it’s it’s it’s basically a massive comedy essay about games, interactive comedy essay, right? (0:19:48) Kev: yeah (0:19:52) Kev: Yeah, yep, yeah. (0:19:56) Al: Like it does a thing that no other medium could do. Right. Like you can’t you can’t break down films in the same way that you consume films. (0:20:06) Al: you can’t break down reading a book in the say in reading a book you (0:20:07) Kev: well I don’t know I saw that mass unbearable weight of massive talent (0:20:09) Al: could you that has to be in the creation (0:20:16) Al: I mean that was excellent but that’s still about the creation of something not about the consuming (0:20:18) Kev: and that one they lit oh yeah oh true true (0:20:22) Al: of it whereas the whole point of the stanley parable it if you don’t have the user input (0:20:28) Kev: yeah yeah that’s true (0:20:28) Al: it it doesn’t mean anything it’s pointless it’s useless whereas a film even if nobody watches it (0:20:33) Al: it still has its value like its narrative is the same from beginning to end no matter who watches (0:20:35) Kev: Sure. (0:20:39) Al: it whereas games that’s not how it works and that’s what I really like about the stanley parable (0:20:40) Kev: No, it’s true. (0:20:44) Kev: Yeah, okay, but yeah, I mean, I looked at the trailer and it looks like a well made (0:20:49) Kev: competent game or whatever is this. Yeah, like, I don’t know, it takes a second to wrap my head. (0:20:55) Kev: Like, that’s why they’d be a good fit for it. But yeah, all right, I’m down for it. (0:21:00) Al: I understand that, but we’ll see what happens. (0:21:01) Kev: Do we have an ETA now? Okay, so. (0:21:04) Al: Early 2025 is all they’ve said. (0:21:07) Kev: Question marks, basically. (0:21:09) Al: Yeah, so May, May of next year. (0:21:15) Al: That’s what I’m saying. (0:21:16) Kev: So look forward to the next delay announcement in February 2020. (0:21:16) Al: We’ll see if I’m right. (0:21:22) Al: Speaking of delays, we also have Amber Isle. (0:21:25) Al: I’m sorry, Kevin. (0:21:27) Al: The Switch version is delayed. (0:21:27) Kev: NOOO! (0:21:30) Al: We have a date of 21st of October, not in October, November, November, sorry. (0:21:31) Kev: We have a date. (0:21:36) Kev: You know what? (0:21:37) Kev: I can live with that. That’s still this year. (0:21:39) Al: So, slightly over a month, slightly over a month. (0:21:39) Kev: I can live with that. (0:21:41) Kev: I- I- Wait, it’s a- (0:21:41) Al: It’s interesting because, yeah, so the Steam versions out now (0:21:47) Al: came out a couple days ago as we’re recording. (0:21:50) Al: The interesting thing about this is it’s slightly over a month delay to this. (0:21:56) Al: But they say it’s console specific performance issues. (0:22:00) Al: I feel similar to this, I feel about the delay to the wins of Anthos DLC. (0:22:08) Al: That’s a very specific date for performance issues. (0:22:12) Kev: Mm-hmm. Well, I think mmm-hmm (0:22:13) Al: Like performance issues can mean so many different things and (0:22:18) Al: can come from so many different places that there’s not gonna be one easy fix. (0:22:21) Kev: Through (0:22:25) Al: And it’s not like they’re gonna spend a month working on it, right? (0:22:26) Kev: So (0:22:30) Al: And we all know Nintendo are slow at getting these things through their store. (0:22:36) Kev: Heh, heh, heh, heh, yeah. (0:22:36) Al: So maybe they have two weeks extra to work on it, maybe. (0:22:41) Kev: Yeah, well, you know, I’m assuming, based off the way they phrase it, it’s not a game-breaking thing, right? (0:22:48) Kev: It just probably runs a little poorly on the switch. It’s, you know, it’s not uncommon. So… (0:22:55) Kev: They probably set themselves a date. We need one in out by this for the holidays or whatever, and… (0:23:00) Kev: So let’s just do what we can in this time. Um, that would be my guess. (0:23:05) Al: I yeah I don’t look I’ll be yeah I’ll be surprised if they don’t if people still don’t (0:23:12) Al: aren’t disappointed by the performance of this when it comes out right and and I guess (0:23:16) Kev: Well, [LAUGHS] (0:23:16) Al: the thing is like I guess I’m confused as to why they would be unhappy with it now but (0:23:23) Al: they’ll be happy with it in a moment like that just feels unrealistic (0:23:24) Kev: Hmm (0:23:26) Kev: that (0:23:28) Kev: Yeah, all right. You know what? That’s a good point. Yeah. I mmm. I don’t know. That’s a good point (0:23:35) Al: But we’ll see. We’ll see. Because Kevin’s gonna buy in day one. (0:23:40) Kev: No, gosh, I’m, I’m over here agonizing we’re going to do an episode. (0:23:46) Kev: Am I going to have to get down steam? (0:23:48) Kev: I don’t know, but boy, it’s going to be day one. (0:23:51) Al: Get it for what you want to play it on. (0:23:53) Al: The episode can wait. (0:23:54) Al: Next we have Ever Home. (0:23:56) Al: Ever Home, is it Home? (0:23:58) Al: Or is it Home, Home? (0:24:00) Kev: I do I think it’s whole either way. It’s basically the same thing is what I think (0:24:05) Al: Yeah, I think it’s Home. (0:24:07) Al: ‘Cause I think it’s kind of like a pun. (0:24:09) Kev: Yeah, yeah, yep, I think so (0:24:09) Al: Like it sounds like Home, H-O-M-E. (0:24:14) Al: But also a Home, H-O-L-M, Home. (0:24:19) Al: I clicked the pronunciation guide on Google (0:24:22) Al: and it said it in an English accent. (0:24:23) Al: So of course I parroted it in an English accent. (0:24:26) Al: Home or Home, as apparently that said, (0:24:32) Al: also means an islet, (0:24:34) Al: especially in a river or near a mainland. (0:24:36) Al: So is this based on an island? (0:24:38) Al: I haven’t seen anything. (0:24:40) Kev: I… I don’t know. (0:24:42) Kev: It probably is. (0:24:45) Al: Anyway, I should probably say what the news is shouldn’t I because I haven’t as I said that there they’ve announced their release date is the (0:24:51) Al: 11th of November this year. So there you go. If you’ve been looking forward to that (0:24:56) Kev: It’s a very pretty-looking game. (0:24:59) Kev: Isometric, I don’t feel like that’s one we see very often in our– (0:25:06) Kev: at least not in a 2D pixel one, so maybe a 3D one. (0:25:09) Kev: But I don’t know. (0:25:09) Al: Yeah, I think you’re right. I think you’re right (0:25:11) Kev: It looks– it just visually looks polished. (0:25:18) Kev: I think maybe there’s a narrative aspect that (0:25:21) Kev: looks interesting that might set it apart. (0:25:24) Al: I’m intrigued as to how the farming will feel when you’re doing it because of the isometric (0:25:24) Kev: But yeah, it died. (0:25:34) Al: view. I think it might be harder to hit the exact square you want. (0:25:38) Kev: that’s true but I like I saw they there’s a moment in the trailer when you (0:25:45) Kev: harvest pumpkins and like they’re all harvested at once so I wonder if they’re (0:25:50) Kev: designed around that (0:25:52) Al: Possibly, possibly. However, you might notice the watering, it did do it on a square by (0:26:00) Al: square basis. And actually I had a look, so when she does the pumpkins, it’s not all at (0:26:06) Al: once, it’s like six of them at once, and then the other three. So yeah, I just, it could (0:26:09) Kev: Okay. Uh… (0:26:12) Al: just be, yeah, that these things are done on a much more lackadaisical way, shall we (0:26:19) Al: right like oh, you kind of vaguely hit it (0:26:21) Kev: right. Yeah. (0:26:22) Al: we’ll just count it sort of thing. (0:26:25) Al: I don’t know, but we’ll see. (0:26:28) Al: That’s my only concern about this is how that will feel. (0:26:32) Al: But we will see because it’s coming out soon. (0:26:35) Al: There is a demo so I could play it if I cared. Find it. (0:26:39) Al: Next, we have Steam World Steam World (0:26:41) Al: Build, their final seasonal update is coming out or is out now is out now. (0:26:50) Al: and this is the Steam Fright Update. (0:26:52) Al: So obviously, Halloween based. (0:26:54) Al: There’s lots of glowing things. (0:26:57) Al: Glowing green lights. (0:26:57) Kev: As is, that’s what one does on Halloween. (0:27:01) Al: Yeah, the train is like radioactive looking. (0:27:05) Kev: As trains do in the real world during Halloween. (0:27:11) Al: Yeah, it looks like if you enjoy this game, that will be a fun game. (0:27:16) Kev: it does look like it’s doing the spooky thing well i’ll say that it looks very halloweeny (0:27:22) Kev: - Oh. - Oh. (laughs) (0:27:22) Al: Next we have another update for Disney Dreamlight Valley. They’re just pumping these updates (0:27:31) Al: out. This is the Jungle Getaway update. So, interestingly, one of the major updates in (0:27:39) Al: this is that you can go to the Lion King realm during the day. So, previously, I think the (0:27:45) Kev: Well, you couldn’t already, though, okay? (0:27:49) Al: The deal was that this was, (0:27:51) Al: it was just always night when you went. (0:27:52) Al: to the Lion King realm. (0:27:54) Al: So it wasn’t that you couldn’t go there during the day. (0:27:54) Kev: Yeah, yeah, yeah, I get that just I’m puzzled by that decision. (0:27:56) Al: It’s just when you went, it was night. (0:28:04) Al: look I suspect it would have made sense narratively if you played it but I haven’t done that bit so (0:28:11) Al: I wouldn’t know for sure um it’s also really funny how like this is like the top voted thing (0:28:17) Al: is like hey daytime (0:28:20) Kev: Also, it steals me, but the Lion King takes place in Fabana, which is not a jungle. (0:28:29) Al: They also Timon and Pumbaa are added so they won’t so they don’t add every single character (0:28:36) Kev: wait they weren’t in art oh my gosh oh my gosh what do you (0:28:40) Al: that’s in every single film when they add the realms so a fair argument also some new (0:28:41) Kev: mine yeah but you know what you know what they should have been in there (0:28:45) Kev: before simba I don’t care (0:28:49) Al: backpacks. There you go. The final piece of standard news is (0:28:51) Kev: all right I like lion king so you know what i’ll give him props for that (0:28:59) Al: an interesting one from Paleo Pines. I don’t know if we want to talk much about this but (0:29:05) Al: I felt like it was something to mention. They’ve basically posted on social media saying that (0:29:11) Al: they’re struggling to find someone to help the future of Paleo Pines. Basically they’re (0:29:19) Al: looking for a production partner so I think this is like, I think it’s basically someone to give (0:29:25) Al: the money. I think that’s it. (0:29:29) Al: They’re struggling. They’re not managing to keep funding the game to get ad updates. (0:29:34) Kev: yeah well you know what that’s that’s hard um to to keep a game going right like honestly (0:29:44) Kev: if I were the paleopine step like they’ve they’ve done the derp feed model of here’s an update here (0:29:50) Kev: and there whatever I have would have just saved for one or two and called it a day like I think (0:29:55) Kev: paleopine’s uh the base level was already pretty solid as a package um so he (0:30:01) Al: Yeah, I agree. And it’s they’ve said that they’re working on other games, so it’s not like they’re only working on this. So yeah, it does feel like not every game needs to constantly have updates. And so maybe, maybe that’s it for Paleo Pines. I don’t know, mostly. (0:30:05) Kev: okay (0:30:16) Kev: yeah but uh but we’ll see um yeah i’m interested like or you know like this might be like I don’t (0:30:25) Kev: know all the obviously ins and outs of this but would a c a sequel at this point be better i (0:30:30) Kev: don’t know um I don’t know if they could get more groundswell for that because you know a new game (0:30:34) Al: Maybe yeah, maybe I’m sure they’re thinking all these things through, right? (0:30:37) Kev: sometimes yeah but uh regardless um you know it’s a good game I uh I do wish to see more of it (0:30:46) Kev: they don’t have all my dinosaurs that I want in there yet anyway so um number one reason to keep going (0:30:52) Al: It’s even possible to have all the dinosaurs. (0:30:57) Kev: no but they can try (0:31:00) Al: Fair enough. (0:31:02) Al: We also have one new game to talk about. (0:31:06) Al: This is a very interesting one. (0:31:08) Al: So this game is called Hawthorne, and I’ll just read their blurb. (0:31:14) Al: Former developers from Bethesda Bioware and Naughty Dog bring you sandbox RPG realm of (0:31:20) Al: anthropomorphic animals and fairies. (0:31:22) Al: play co-op or solo as you build a village of memorable NPCs, farm, craft, explore and celebrate the seasons in an ever-changing world bigger than you. (0:31:32) Kev: Okay, I’m, I have a lot of feelings here because, so this is Everdell, er, I’m sorry, um, what’s the, the book series, um, Redwall, Redwall, that’s not, Everdell’s a board game, it’s another thing, but Redwall, the, the game, basically, you’re all, you’re playing as mice and otters and, and little birds and, and you’re farming and crafting and stuff, um, and, okay, on that pitch alone, I think, (0:32:02) Kev: sounds incredible, um, especially the fact that they are going with, uh, uh, actual size. So the pumpkins are, that you’re farming are bigger than you, right? Um, uh, so that’s, uh, I, I love a lot of this. I mean, they, you know, these are anthropomorphic critters and they’re talking and so on and so forth. There’s birds with wizard hats or witch hats, whatever, um, uh, so it’s great. The only thing is right. Because of that, I guess that Bethesda (0:32:32) Kev: and Naughty Dog and Pyewear, I guess, actually, it’s realistic looking, right? Like Skyrim ish, um, which is, I don’t know, when you describe a game like that to me, I’d expect something cute scenes, stylistic or whatever. And it’s, yeah. (0:32:47) Al: It’s funny because it’s like a combination of weirdness with that, right, because yeah, (0:32:51) Al: it’s realistic looking. (0:32:52) Al: So you’ve got this realistic looking mouse next to a realistic looking pumpkin, but he’s (0:32:59) Al: standing on his hind legs holding an axe cutting down some corn. (0:33:04) Kev: Yep, yep. (0:33:04) Al: It’s like realistic but also really weird. (0:33:09) Kev: And guess what, when you’re dragging that pumpkin or that branch that’s bigger than you, it looks kinda goofy, ‘cause it’s kinda floating behind you, but your arms are kinda healthy. (0:33:18) Kev: Um, I don’t know, it’s… I guess the weirdest thing, like, it doesn’t look bad, but it’s just such a… unexpected art direction to go with for this kinda game. Um, right? (0:33:31) Kev: And, like, it’s very grounded, right? (0:33:35) Kev: I mean, their colors are nice, but they’re not, like, bright or anything like that. (0:33:39) Kev: Just a very nice outdoor setting. (0:33:41) Kev: Um, but, uh, you know, I’m not, like I said, I don’t think it’s bad, just unexpected. (0:33:48) Kev: And I’m still, uh, very enthusiastic about the premise. (0:33:52) Kev: There’s a lot of great things in here. (0:33:54) Kev: You’re dancing with an otter on a table while you’re drinking meat or something. (0:34:00) Kev: Um, you can swim as an otter. (0:34:02) Kev: You can fly on birds. (0:34:04) Kev: Um, I, I, I like a lot about it. (0:34:08) Al: Yeah, it’ll be interesting to see what comes from this. (0:34:09) Kev: There’s a weasel with a top hat. (0:34:11) Kev: I think that’s a weasel. (0:34:13) Kev: It’s Mayor Weasleton. (0:34:13) Al: Heh. (0:34:14) Al: Obviously. (0:34:17) Kev: I like, I like red wall and little rodent people, societies. (0:34:23) Kev: It’s cute. (0:34:24) Kev: Um, I will probably play this. (0:34:26) Kev: Did, is it steam only right now? (0:34:27) Kev: Do we know there’s anything about, uh, (0:34:30) Al: That’s a good question, I think I’ll see at the end of the trailer. (0:34:36) Al: Yeah, I’m just seeing I’m not seeing anything about. (0:34:40) Kev: well um okay well i’ll have to see um nothing else right those names they’re uh there’s probably (0:34:49) Kev: a lot of good talent right and hopefully not a lot of bad uh executive decisions so hopefully (0:34:56) Kev: this game will come out great um yeah oh I think it might be on xbox I don’t know I see on the xbox (0:35:01) Kev: reddit um but I digress um yeah i’ll definitely keep my eye out for it because I love the idea of (0:35:11) Al: Alrighty, so that’s all the news. We’re now going to talk about Sakuna of Rice and Ruin, (0:35:19) Al: the anime. So just to give a bit of background behind this, this is based on a game, Sakuna (0:35:24) Al: of Rice and Ruin, obviously. It was a rice. It is a rice, realistic rice farming game (0:35:28) Kev: get get ready if you thought I was a weeaboo before get ready I want to talk about japanese (0:35:34) Kev: animation um yes so (0:35:41) Al: based on, with a story, a very interesting story, which I’ll need you to confirm to me how much of (0:35:49) Al: the story in the anime is the same as in the game, because as mentioned in the episode… (0:35:52) Kev: I’d say 90 percent 90 to 95 percent it is (0:35:56) Al: Okay, obviously I know the beginning and stuff like that, but as I mentioned on the actual (0:35:59) Kev: Yeah (0:36:00) Al: episode we did with the game, I didn’t enjoy the game, so I didn’t get very far through it. (0:36:04) Kev: Yeah (0:36:06) Kev: Okay, I on the other hand yeah, we did that good good while ago. It’s not gonna has been out for a minute (0:36:13) Kev: Yeah, I did beat the game (0:36:16) Kev: Apparently not all the game though because there was some stuff I didn’t know that is something yet to make because (0:36:22) Kev: That was in side quests. I didn’t end up doing or they didn’t trigger for me or whatnot, but I’ll get to that (0:36:27) Kev: But okay, so the elevator pitch (0:36:28) Al: three years ago. Just sorry, just three years ago is when we did that episode. (0:36:31) Kev: Yeah, okay. Well there you go. Oh man. I’m so oh first of all let me just say I so I adored (0:36:37) Kev: Socken at the the video game on I know it got a novel like sequel it got a think of manga adaptation (0:36:46) Kev: I’m so happy got an anime adaptation because it was indeed perfect for one (0:36:52) Kev: And I mean overall, I think they knocked it out of park. (0:36:56) Kev: It’s a great anime in my opinion. (0:36:59) Kev: What’s your overall opinion on it now? (0:37:01) Al: Yeah, I think it’s super fun. The characters all feel very real. I know that they’re all (0:37:10) Al: pretty much based on the characters in the game, so obviously that helps, but the animation (0:37:13) Kev: - Mm-hmm, yep. (0:37:15) Al: looks great. The pacing of the story felt pretty good. Pretty standard, but pretty good. (0:37:22) Kev: Yeah, I have one or two quips where, uh, uh, yeah, uh, forms that they excuse me, (0:37:28) Kev: forms with it. Um, but in general, yeah, I know it’s pretty solid how they paste it out. (0:37:33) Kev: Um, yeah. Uh, all right. There you go. All right. Until next week, guys. (0:37:34) Al: Yeah, I really enjoyed it. (0:37:36) Al: I thought it was super fun. (0:37:39) Al: I don’t know what else to say about it overall. (0:37:42) Kev: All right. Okay. Uh, so here’s the elevator pitch, um, for both. Again, the, the plot is pretty, (0:37:49) Al: Oh wait, before you do, is this where we go spoiler alert? (0:37:54) Al: We’re probably going to talk about spoilers. We’re probably going to talk about the actual story. (0:37:56) Kev: Okay. Yeah, it it is a 13 episode anime (0:38:01) Kev: It’s not terribly long, right? You can knock it out pretty quick (0:38:05) Kev: And the game’s been out for three years. So yeah, I’m not gonna hold back on spoilers because it’s (0:38:12) Kev: Like there’s nothing tear I don’t think there’s anything super (0:38:16) Kev: One or two things but yeah, here’s your warning. I’m gonna talk about the whole game (0:38:21) Kev: I’m gonna try to go broad and the narrow or whatever but but yeah, I’m saying (0:38:26) Kev: here everything is fair game considering that again the plot is very (0:38:31) Kev: similar to the game so you know that’s been out and well established alright so (0:38:35) Kev: the elevator pitch okay so Sakuna is a the daughter of a war god and a harvest (0:38:42) Kev: goddess at the start so she has inherited powers and such from both and (0:38:50) Kev: at the start of the series she is living in what is referred to as the capital (0:38:54) Kev: work various days. (0:38:56) Kev: and in such live in what’s called the lofty realm, the upper realm where those (0:39:02) Kev: sorts of beings live, and she is a stubborn, spoiled, lazy brat who gets by (0:39:10) Kev: because of her parents, basically, the status she got from them. And so one day, (0:39:18) Kev: a bridge called the… was it the Bridge of Heaven, I think it is, appears and a (0:39:25) Kev: a group of humans. (0:39:26) Kev: Humans appear on said bridge, wandering from what’s referred to as the “lower realm”, (0:39:30) Kev: the world of humans, and they are crossing over to the capital. (0:39:36) Kev: It’s not going to go out to try to deal with it, but she ends up, and so the humans are (0:39:45) Kev: being chased by a bandit named Ishimaru. (0:39:48) Kev: She kicks Ishimaru off the bridge, quite literally kicks him off the bridge, and the humans get (0:39:54) Kev: Bye and call us a little bit. (0:39:56) Kev: It’s because of this, Sakuna is punished and sent to Hinue Island or the Isle of Demons, where her parents once lived, and she is sent there to fend for herself and to figure out what’s going on as there have been reports of demons coming from the island. (0:40:17) Kev: And so that’s how the stage is set. (0:40:24) Kev: Sasakuna is to learn (0:40:26) Kev: how to cultivate rice like her mom did and get along with the the band of humans who have also (0:40:32) Kev: been sent to the Isle of Demons as they try to figure everything out and eventually figure out (0:40:38) Kev: the demon problem. Okay um so with that I guess let’s see here so I guess we’ll just try to go (0:40:50) Kev: in and visit order unless you have other ideas or do you have any comments overall on the overall (0:40:56) Al: Eh, I guess if we’re talking about just like the setup of the story as a whole, you know, (0:41:04) Al: it’s a fun concept. Obviously, we experienced, we both experienced this part in the game, (0:41:10) Al: but I think I cared more about the story at this point, right? Because part of the problem, (0:41:17) Al: and this is a me problem, I understand that. You don’t need to come at me and go, “Ah, (0:41:22) Al: you should care more about the story and games, but generally, I don’t. (0:41:25) Kev: Mm-hmm, okay. (0:41:26) Al: Right? I’m playing games because I enjoy the gameplay. I’m not playing games necessarily for the story. (0:41:32) Al: If the story grabs me, that’s just a bonus. (0:41:36) Al: But the problem is, especially at the beginning of games, I don’t want a lot of story before I start playing. (0:41:42) Al: Right? I’m like, “No, no, just give me the game. I want to see how this plays before I invest lots of time into it. (0:41:44) Kev: Okay, sure sure (0:41:48) Al: Give me the game. Don’t give me the backstory.” (0:41:49) Kev: Okay (0:41:51) Kev: Yeah, you know and that’s fair (0:41:54) Kev: That’s fair (0:41:55) Kev: I think there’s a lot of people like that who want the gameplay before anything else and that’s very fair being the interactive medium it (0:42:02) Kev: is (0:42:03) Kev: and (0:42:04) Kev: Sakuna in particular right like the gameplay of the video game is very it can be tough to (0:42:11) Kev: to get her because there’s it’ll it asks a lot of you. (0:42:14) Kev: Right. There is both the rice farming simulation game and there’s also platforming and combat. (0:42:21) Kev: True to her nature is half harvest. (0:42:24) Kev: God is half war goddess. (0:42:26) Kev: The game reigns into both aspects of that. (0:42:29) Kev: So it’s asking a lot and might not appeal. (0:42:32) Kev: I think I would say it’s hard to appeal to everyone because those are two very different things, I think. (0:42:39) Kev: And in the game, a lot of the story is not so. (0:42:45) Kev: Front loaded. You don’t get into a lot of the meatier stuff until past the halfway point, I would say. (0:42:51) Kev: And of course, that’s, you know, the games given to you in cutscenes and whatnot dialogue. (0:42:57) Kev: But the majority of it, you’re spending farming and, you know, forming and whatnot. (0:43:04) Kev: So it might be hard for a lot of people to get through the whole story. (0:43:08) Kev: But I’m glad that that’s a big reason why I’m glad this exists, because now we can all enjoy the story. (0:43:15) Kev: Maybe a little straightforward, but overall, really nice. Well done. (0:43:20) Kev: And that’s in large part because of the characters. So, you know, let’s let’s talk about them a little bit. (0:43:25) Kev: We, you know, we mentioned Sakuna and she’s the star of the show by far. (0:43:31) Kev: She’s pretty comedic and they get animating like she is in the game, right? (0:43:35) Kev: Because she’s so ridiculous, cartoonishly stubborn and spoiled. Very, very. (0:43:41) Kev: Um, uh, she is always with her faith. (0:43:44) Kev: So companion slash steward, I guess, I don’t know what every servant, uh, his name is Tom. (0:43:50) Kev: He’s a little floating dog. (0:43:51) Kev: Um, he’s a guy kind of got old man voice and energies wise. (0:43:56) Kev: And then tries to keep her in line, but she’s still a handful. (0:44:00) Kev: Right? (0:44:00) Kev: Um, Tom is, well, I’ll get to Tom. (0:44:04) Kev: Tom is one of my favorite characters in the show by far. (0:44:06) Kev: Um, there, and then the human she’s now living with, there is, uh, Howie Mon. (0:44:13) Kev: a samurai who (0:44:15) Kev: stuck to the samurai because he doesn’t like to fight so he (0:44:19) Kev: Became a bandit, but he wasn’t very good at that either. He’s very clumsy (0:44:25) Kev: In fact he kind of messes up everything he does (0:44:28) Kev: Which was why Sakuna ends up having to do most of the farming, but he is at least rather knowledgeable about farming (0:44:34) Kev: Which is again the role he plays in the game. He’s kind of your (0:44:39) Kev: resource for any farming tips or knowledge that you need (0:44:44) Kev: He can help out around the farm in the game. So, you know, that’s I think they captured that to a tee (0:44:51) Kev: There is Mirta. She is a missionary from (0:44:56) Kev: What country did the Sakuna game in anime happen in Gyanatsu, which is not Japan and she’s from not Germany basically (0:45:05) Kev: And and yeah, so she’s a missionary originally (0:45:09) Kev: Just to teach folks about her her (0:45:13) Kev: beliefs and whatnot. (0:45:14) Kev: And to learn about other countries as well. (0:45:18) Kev: She’s sweet, she’s kind, she makes medicine, she cooks. (0:45:21) Kev: Looking is the big thing for her in the game. (0:45:25) Al: I just speaking of her, because I really like there’s a bit where Sakana says “are you going (0:45:27) Kev: Yeah. (0:45:30) Al: to teach the kids about me now?” and she says “no”. Like she does it in a really nice way, (0:45:37) Al: but it’s just really funny. It’s just like “no, I may have met a metagod now, but no, (0:45:38) Kev: Hey. (0:45:39) Kev: Yeah. (0:45:42) Al: I’m not going to teach them about you. I’m going to continue doing my time”. (0:45:42) Kev: Yeah. (0:45:44) Kev: Oh, yeah. (0:45:45) Kev: Oh, that’s good stuff. (0:45:46) Kev: Um, uh, so we have those two, then we have the kids. (0:45:57) Kev: There’s Kinta. (0:45:58) Kev: He’s a kind of a street kid sort of thing going on, right? (0:46:02) Kev: He’s, he’s smart. (0:46:04) Kev: He’s sassy. (0:46:04) Kev: He’s very street wise. (0:46:06) Kev: Um, blunt and to the point, um, he’s good at crafting some stuff and becomes eventually (0:46:10) Kev: a blacksmith making tools for Sakuna just like he does in the game. (0:46:14) Kev: Likewise, we have Yui, a small and sweet girl, very shy, very quiet, follows Kinta around a lot, and she’s more like looming and creating fabrics and equipment of that sort. (0:46:29) Kev: And that’s for Sakuna, which again, she does in the game. And then we have good old Kaimaru, the big baby. He’s basically a baby who walks around and he can’t talk. (0:46:44) Kev: He can’t communicate with animals though, and that’s how he helps out. (0:46:47) Kev: He’s the one who brings a lot of animals to the farm to help out, like Dr. Simutow and (0:46:53) Kev: the Kappa. (0:46:55) Kev: But yeah, that’s the main crew. (0:46:58) Kev: And obviously the first couple of episodes are focused on them, you know, introducing (0:47:03) Kev: them and see how they try to get along on their new island with nothing at all, right? (0:47:10) Kev: There’s a kind of broken down view buildings. (0:47:14) Kev: Where Sak and his parents live, but they have to start working together to kind of fix it up. (0:47:

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Lost and Found: A Heartwarming Tale at Mount Fuji Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.org/lost-and-found-a-heartwarming-tale-at-mount-fuji Story Transcript:Ja: 秋の風は涼しく、カラフルな葉が舞い散る季節。En: The autumn breeze is cool, and it's the season when colorful leaves flutter in the air.Ja: 渋谷公立高校の学生たちは、富士山への校外学習に出かけていた。En: The students of Shibuya Public High School set out for their field trip to Mount Fuji.Ja: アキラはカメラを抱え、心は夫々だった。En: Akira was holding his camera, feeling a mix of emotions.Ja: 「今回の写真コンテストで認められたら」と思っていた。En: He thought, "If I can be recognized in this photo contest..."Ja: しかし、アキラは自信がない。En: However, Akira lacked confidence.Ja: 人に頼るのが苦手だった。En: He wasn't good at relying on others.Ja: ユイはいつも元気で、友達も多い。En: Yui was always cheerful and had many friends.Ja: 「アキラともっと仲良くなりたいな」と考えていた。En: She thought, "I want to get closer to Akira."Ja: だが、彼女は自分がいつも強く映ると感じていた。En: Yet, she felt she always came across as strong.Ja: 富士山のふもとに着いた。En: They arrived at the base of Mount Fuji.Ja: 秋のもみじが鮮やかに色づいていた。En: The autumn maple leaves were vividly colored.Ja: アキラは完璧な写真を撮りたくて、ひとりでメインの道を外れた。En: Akira wanted to take the perfect photo, so he strayed off the main path by himself.Ja: ユイはそれを見て「彼の力になろう」と思い、アキラを追いかけた。En: Seeing this, Yui thought, "I'll help him," and went after Akira.Ja: しばらく歩いたあと、アキラとユイは迷子になってしまった。En: After walking for a while, Akira and Yui got lost.Ja: 陽が沈み始め、急に不安になった。En: As the sun began to set, they suddenly became anxious.Ja: アキラはようやく口を開いた。En: Akira finally spoke up.Ja: 「ユイ、ごめん。僕、迷った。」En: "Sorry, Yui. I'm lost."Ja: ユイは微笑んだ。En: Yui smiled.Ja: 「大丈夫、一緒に帰り道を見つけよう。」En: "It's okay, let's find our way back together."Ja: 二人は協力し、来た道を思い出しながら戻ることにした。En: They decided to cooperate and retrace their steps.Ja: 途中、ユイは美しい景色に気づいた。En: Along the way, Yui noticed a beautiful scene.Ja: 「アキラ、ここで写真を撮ってみない？」En: "Hey Akira, why don't you take a picture here?"Ja: アキラはカメラを構え、まぶしい夕日と色とりどりのもみじを撮った。En: Akira set up his camera and captured the dazzling sunset and the colorful maple leaves.Ja: その瞬間、彼は満足感を覚えた。En: In that moment, he felt a sense of fulfillment.Ja: 「ありがとう、ユイ。君がいなければ、こんな写真は撮れなかった。」アキラは言った。En: "Thank you, Yui. Without you, I couldn't have taken such a photo," Akira said.Ja: 「こちらこそ、気持ちを伝えられて嬉しいよ。」ユイも答えた。En: "I'm glad I could express my feelings," Yui responded.Ja: ようやく二人はクラスメートに合流できた。En: Finally, they managed to reunite with their classmates.Ja: アキラは自信を手に入れ、ユイは新しい友情を感じた。En: Akira gained confidence, and Yui felt a new friendship blossom.Ja: この経験を通して、二人は互いに助け合うことの大切さを学んだ。En: Through this experience, they learned the importance of helping each other.Ja: アキラの写真は、学校の写真コンテストで注目を集めた。En: Akira's photo received attention in the school's photo contest.Ja: 彼は初めて自信を持って笑顔を見せた。En: For the first time, he showed a confident smile.Ja: ユイは優しい微笑みでそれを見守った。En: Yui watched over him with a gentle smile.Ja: 秋のキャンプで、二人は踏み出す勇気と信じ合う心を見つけた。En: During the autumn camp, they found the courage to take a step forward and the heart to trust each other.Ja: それはお互いにとって大切な収穫となったのだった。En: This was a valuable harvest for both of them. Vocabulary Words:breeze: 風flutter: 舞い散るfield trip: 校外学習emotions: 心recognized: 認められたconfidence: 自信relying: 頼るcheerful: 元気vividly: 鮮やかにstrayed: 外れたanxious: 不安smiled: 微笑んだretraced: 思い出しながらscene: 景色dazzling: まぶしいfulfillment: 満足感express: 伝えられてreunite: 合流blossom: 感じたharvest: 収穫maple: もみじbase: ふもとretracing: 戻ることattention: 注目shadow: 映るsteps: 踏み出すhelping: 助け合うtrust: 信じ合うcourage: 勇気friendship: 友情

October is here, and that means spooky season is upon us! What better way to celebrate than by reviewing a spooky manga like The Summer Hikaru Died! Also, Jay's scheming (what else is new, amirite?), Cole has taken flight, Mike has explored spice levels soup has never reached before, and more! Support AniPro: Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/AniProPod Send us a Mailbag: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anipropod.com/mailbag Use code "ANIPRO" for $5 off your first #TokyoTreat box through our link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tokyotreat.com/?rfsn=7695251.3317f Follow AniPro: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/AniProPod ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/anipropod⁠⁠⁠ Discord: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://discord.gg/dV5tMCWvM7 Next Reviews: Anime: Free! - Iwatobi Swim Club Manga: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Summer Hikaru Died (Chapters 1-16.5) Tracks: Opening theme: Shibuya Bumper Track: "Driving Home", Leather Joystick Music licensed by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠slip.stream⁠ Timestamps 00:00:00 AniProPod 148 Intro 00:02:12 Metaphor: ReFantazio / Pokemon 00:12:51 Summer Hikaru Died Manga Review 00:22:45 Manga's Visuals 00:29:55 Pacing & Recommendations 00:39:33 Final Thoughts & Rating 00:46:41 Our Next Manga Review... 00:48:53 Mailbag: Most Mainstream Anime 00:55:18 Anime Killer Tournament Rounds 1-2 01:04:15 Tohru, Akane, Maomao, Misato, Aqua, Hestia 01:11:18 Miku, Chitanda, Aqua, Yui, Mai, Onoya 01:22:55 Hina, Yui, Chika, Mai 01:34:09 Miku, Akane, Yui, Maomao 01:43:49 Final Two Rounds 01:51:46 Extra Characters & Wrap Up

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Leaf by Leaf: A Family's Emotional Reunion in Kyoto Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.org/leaf-by-leaf-a-familys-emotional-reunion-in-kyoto Story Transcript:Ja: 紅葉が美しい京都植物園。En: The Kyoto Botanical Garden, where the autumn leaves are stunning.Ja: 木々の赤や黄色が秋の香りを運んでいる。En: The red and yellow of the trees carry the scent of fall.Ja: 今日は秋分の日だ。En: Today is the autumnal equinox.Ja: 兄弟たちは久しぶりに再会するため、この場所に集まった。En: The siblings have gathered here for a long-awaited reunion.Ja: 三人の中で一番年上の直樹は少し緊張していた。En: Naoki, the eldest of the three, was a little nervous.Ja: 彼は過去の後悔を抱えていた。En: He carried regrets from the past.Ja: しかし、彼は兄弟との絆を取り戻したいと思っていた。En: However, he wanted to restore the bond with his siblings.Ja: 自由な精神を持つゆいは、直樹が彼女の選択を理解していないと思っていた。En: Yui, with her free spirit, thought Naoki didn't understand her choices.Ja: だが、彼女は和解を求めてここに来た。En: Yet, she came here seeking reconciliation.Ja: 一番下のはるとは、兄弟たちから疎外されていると感じていた。En: The youngest, Haruto, felt alienated from his siblings.Ja: 彼は受け入れられたいと願っていたが、信頼することに不安を抱えていた。En: He wanted to be accepted but felt uneasy about trusting others.Ja: その日、直樹は決心していた。En: That day, Naoki made up his mind.Ja: 過去の問題を率直に話し合おうと。En: He wanted to discuss past issues openly.Ja: 兄弟たちは園内のベンチに座り、それぞれが心の中で言葉を探していた。En: The siblings sat on a bench in the garden, each searching for words within their hearts.Ja: 「ごめん、みんな。いつも自分の意見ばかり押し付けていた」と直樹が口火を切った。En: "I'm sorry, everyone. I always forced my opinions on you," Naoki began.Ja: 「わたしたちのことをもっと知ってほしい」と、ゆいが応じた。En: "I want you to know more about us," Yui replied.Ja: 「あのとき、私の夢を聞いてくれなくて悲しかった」En: "I was sad when you didn't listen to my dreams back then."Ja: 「僕はただ、家族と一緒にいたかった」とはるとが静かに言った。En: "I just wanted to be with my family," Haruto said quietly.Ja: 話し合いは次第にヒートアップした。En: The conversation gradually heated up.Ja: それぞれの心の中に隠れていた傷が浮き彫りになった。En: The hidden wounds in their hearts came to the surface.Ja: 涙がこぼれ、声が震え始めた。En: Tears fell, and their voices began to tremble.Ja: しかし、それでも直樹はあきらめなかった。En: Yet, Naoki didn't give up.Ja: 「僕たちはもっとお互いを理解し合えるはずだ」En: "We should be able to understand each other better."Ja: 和解の瞬間が訪れた。En: The moment of reconciliation came.Ja: 気持ちを開くことで、三人は徐々に理解を深めていった。En: By opening up, the three gradually deepened their understanding.Ja: 深く抱き合い、再び心の絆が結ばれた。En: They embraced tightly, once again binding their hearts together.Ja: 「次はいつ会おうか？」とゆいが微笑んだ。En: "When shall we meet next?" Yui smiled.Ja: 「次の季節もここで会おう」とはるとも笑った。En: "Let's meet here in the next season," Haruto smiled as well.Ja: 直樹は安心した。En: Naoki felt relieved.Ja: 心が軽くなり、負担が少しずつ消えていくのを感じた。En: His heart felt lighter, and the burdens slowly began to fade.Ja: 家族とのコミュニケーションの重要性を理解した直樹は、新しい始まりを迎えたのだった。En: Having understood the importance of communication with family, Naoki embarked on a new beginning.Ja: 秋の美しい風景の中で、彼らは新しい一歩を踏み出した。En: Amid the beautiful autumn scenery, they took a new step forward. Vocabulary Words:botanical: 植物autumnal equinox: 秋分の日reunion: 再会restore: 取り戻すbond: 絆free spirit: 自由な精神reconciliation: 和解alienated: 疎外されているaccepted: 受け入れられたいuneasy: 不安trusting: 信頼するdiscuss: 話し合うissues: 問題forced: 押し付けていたopinions: 意見dreams: 夢heated: ヒートアップwounds: 傷surface: 浮き彫りになるtremble: 震えるgive up: あきらめるunderstanding: 理解embraced: 抱き合いbinding: 結ばれるburdens: 負担fade: 消えるimportance: 重要性communication: コミュニケーションembarked: 迎えるnew beginning: 新しい始まり

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Dancing Dreams: Haruto's Leap to Stardom at Shibuya Crossing Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.org/dancing-dreams-harutos-leap-to-stardom-at-shibuya-crossing Story Transcript:Ja: 渋谷の交差点には、たくさんの人々が行き交い、賑やかな音楽と笑い声が響いていました。En: At the Shibuya crossing, a bustling crowd moved back and forth as lively music and laughter resonated through the air.Ja: 秋の風が心地よく、木々は色とりどりの葉で彩られています。En: The autumn breeze was pleasant, and the trees were adorned with a variety of colorful leaves.Ja: 今日は「敬老の日」。敬老の日に特別な催しが開かれており、街の活気はいつも以上です。En: Today was "Respect for the Aged Day," and special events were being held, making the town more vibrant than usual.Ja: その中で、ハルトは大きなマスコットの着ぐるみを着ていました。En: Amidst all this, Haruto was wearing a large mascot costume.Ja: 彼は将来、俳優として名を上げたいと願っています。En: He dreams of making a name for himself as an actor in the future.Ja: 今日はストリートパフォーマンスで彼の才能を見せる絶好の機会です。En: Today's street performance is a perfect opportunity to showcase his talent.Ja: 噂によると、今日はタレントスカウトも観に来るとのこと。En: According to rumors, a talent scout was also coming to watch today.Ja: しかし、その着ぐるみは思っていたよりも重く、動きづらいものでした。En: However, the costume was heavier and more cumbersome than he had anticipated.Ja: 友人のユイは熱心に応援し、一緒に来たケンタは半ば呆れ顔で見ています。En: His friend Yui was cheering enthusiastically, while their companion Kenta watched with a half-exasperated expression.Ja: 「こんなの、本当にうまくいくのかな？」とケンタはつぶやきます。En: "Will this really work out?" Kenta muttered.Ja: しかし、ハルトは諦めません。En: Nonetheless, Haruto was determined not to give up.Ja: 彼は心でこう誓いました、「観客を楽しませて、スカウトを驚かせるんだ。」En: He vowed to himself, "I'll entertain the audience and astonish the scout."Ja: パフォーマンスが始まります。En: The performance began.Ja: ハルトは最初、ぎこちなく動きます。En: Initially, Haruto's movements were awkward.Ja: でも急に、思いつきで変な動きを取り入れました。En: But suddenly, he incorporated a quirky move on a whim.Ja: それはなんとも滑稽で、観客たちは思わず笑い出しました。En: It was so comical that the audience burst into laughter.Ja: 「これだ！」とハルトは思います。En: "This is it!" Haruto thought.Ja: 彼はユーモアを加えながら、さらに大げさな動きを続けました。En: He continued with exaggerated movements while adding humor.Ja: やがて、観客はますます増え、笑い声は大きくなります。En: Gradually, the audience grew larger, and the laughter intensified.Ja: その中に、スカウトの姿もありました。En: Among them was the scout.Ja: ハルトは気を引き締め、最後の大技を試みます。En: Haruto braced himself and attempted a final grand move.Ja: 「これで決めるぞ！」En: "This will seal the deal!"Ja: 彼はステップを踏み、大胆なダンスムーブを試みます。しかし、バランスを崩してコミカルに転んでしまいました。En: He took a step and tried a bold dance move, only to lose his balance and fall comically.Ja: 観客は大笑いし、スカウトも手を叩いて笑っています。En: The audience roared with laughter, and even the scout was clapping and laughing.Ja: ハルトは一瞬恥ずかしい思いをしましたが、すぐに笑顔で立ち上がり、パフォーマンスを閉じました。En: Haruto felt a moment of embarrassment but quickly got back up with a smile and concluded his performance.Ja: それを見たスカウトは彼を称賛し、「君のユニークさには可能性を感じるよ」と声をかけます。En: Watching him, the scout praised him, saying, "I see potential in your uniqueness."Ja: その後、ユイとケンタの助けを借りて、ハルトは祖父母のところへと急ぎます。En: Afterward, with Yui and Kenta's help, Haruto hurried to his grandparents' place.Ja: 結局、遅れずに到着し、祖父母も喜びます。En: He managed to arrive on time, and his grandparents were pleased.Ja: こうしてハルトは、「失敗を恐れずに、ありのままの自分を表現すること」が大切だと学びました。En: Through this experience, Haruto learned the importance of "expressing yourself genuinely without fearing failure."Ja: 渋谷の交差点には、ハルトの笑顔が黄色の叶姉妹の着ぐるみと共に溶け込んでいきました。En: At the Shibuya crossing, Haruto's smile blended in with the yellow costume of the Kanou Sisters. Vocabulary Words:bustling: 賑やかなresonated: 響いていましたadorned: 彩られていますvibrant: 活気mascot: マスコットshowcase: 見せるanticipated: 思っていたenthusiastically: 熱心にexasperated: 呆れ顔vowed: 誓いましたawkward: ぎこちなくquirky: 変なwhim: 思いつきcomical: 滑稽exaggerated: 大げさなintensified: 大きくなりますbrace: 気を引き締めbold: 大胆なbalance: バランスembarrassment: 恥ずかしいuniqueness: ユニークさgenuinely: ありのままにfailure: 失敗expressing: 表現することcumbersome: 動きづらいrumors: 噂determined: 諦めないlaughter: 笑い声opportunity: 機会companion: 一緒に来た友人

On this episode, join Dennis, Ed, Karen, and returning guest Chika Supreme for our third Fushigi Yugi episode! We're halfway through season 1/red boxset, and while Miaka hasn't found another Suzaku warrior yet, we do meet our first Seiryuu one. Other talking points include fun translation for the dub, easily broken promises, sexy sax AND sexy harpsichord, plus some Law & Order: SVU. In addition, we have a content warning. Some of the episodes we cover discuss the topic of attempted suicide. Since this epsiode is being released during National Suicide Prevention Month in the US, know that you are not alone. There are people out there who will talk and listen to you. So please use the Lifeline resources provided to you, such as dialing 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org. 0:00:00 - Intro & Some Anime News 0:07:31 - The Watchlist 0:19:46 - EP10: Looking for Yui 0:38:44 - EP11: Priestess of Seiryuu 1:08:24 - EP12: Only You 1:31:37 - EP13: For the Sake of Love 2:03:20 - Voices, Final Thoughts, & Kanpai Thanks to special guest Chika (@chikasupreme) of the Shoujo Sundae podcast (@shoujosundae) for once again joining us!  Unfortunately, Fushigi Yugi is currently out of print, but you can still support the show by donating to our Ko-Fi link below.   Dennis: @ichnob | Ed: @ippennokuinashi | Karen: @RyaCosplay  Linktr.ee | Ko-Fi | RSS

In Episode 36 of the podcast we head into the North Alps – Japan's highest mountain range – and onto Norikura. Standing 3026 metres / 9927 feet above sea level, Mount Norikura or Norikuradake is one of the highest peaks in North Alps, a volcanic mountain which straddles the border of Nagano and Gifu Prefectures. It is here, in the village below the mountain, that we travel to meet Ogawa Yui, Community Manager of Norikura Zero Labo – a program pushing Norikura toward being Japan's first carbon neutral park. Yui's own story is an interesting one. We discuss how she came to live in Norikura Kogen, her academic and professional background that led her into current role, the environmental challenges facing Japan and Norikura and the actions being taken in Norikura in response to the climate crisis.I hope this episode inspires you to consider traveling to Norikura while also attesting to opportunities that exist in the regional areas of Japan, such as the snow country, for crafting a better life and making a real difference to communities that need more people in order to thrive. Yui and Norikura Zero Labo are striving to make a real difference, as a model for what's possible for communities everywhere, as we face the reality of the changing crisis.For more information, please visit the Norikura Zero Labo website (Japanese only)  and their Instagram, and for information about visiting, please see the Norikura Kogen website. You can also follow Yui via her personal Instagram. Images used in support of this episode were provided by Seth McAllister and cannot be used without his information. You can find his images and more information on the episode page of the Snow Country Stories Japan website. Snow Country Stories Japan is a bi-weekly podcast about life and travel in Japan's legendary 'yukiguni'. For more information about the show and your host, visit our website - www.snowcountrystories.com - and make sure to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Unraveling Secrets: A Beachside Quest for Hidden History Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.org/unraveling-secrets-a-beachside-quest-for-hidden-history Story Transcript:Ja: 夏の日差しが強く降り注ぐ鎌倉のエノデンビーチには、多くの人たちが集まっていました。En: Under the intense summer sun shining down on Enoden Beach in Kamakura, a large crowd had gathered.Ja: 海辺には、色とりどりのランタンが水面に浮かび、先祖を偲ぶ温かい灯りを放っています。En: Lanterns of various colors floated on the water by the shore, casting warm lights in remembrance of ancestors.Ja: ハルとユイは、幼い頃からの友達で、東京の喧騒から逃れるためにこのビーチに来ました。En: Haru and Yui, childhood friends, came to this beach to escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.Ja: ある日の午後、西の空が少しずつ夕日に染まり始めるころ、ハルとは砂浜で足を止めました。En: One afternoon, when the western sky began to gradually tint with the sunset, Haru stopped on the sandy beach.Ja: 波打ち際に、古びた瓶が漂着しているのに気付いたのです。En: They noticed an old bottle washed ashore by the waves.Ja: ユイは興味半分、半信半疑でしたが、好奇心を抑えられません。En: Yui, half-interested and half-skeptical, couldn't suppress her curiosity.Ja: 瓶の中には黄色い紙が入っており、どこか古めかしい文字で何かが書いてあります。En: Inside the bottle was a piece of yellow paper, with something written in old-fashioned script.Ja: 「これ、どうする？」ユイはやや興奮した声で尋ねました。En: "What should we do with this?" Yui asked, her voice somewhat excited.Ja: 「すぐに捨てちゃえば？」En: "Should we just throw it away?"Ja: 「いや、読んでみよう」ハルとは静かに答えました。En: "No, let's read it," Haru quietly replied.Ja: 「謎解きの時間だよ、あの頃みたいに」En: "It's time to solve a mystery, just like we used to."Ja: この言葉でユイも笑顔になり、二人はメッセージを解読する決意をします。En: These words brought a smile to Yui's face, and the two decided to decode the message.Ja: 彼らは地元の住人ケンタのことを思い出します。ケンタは物知りで、海にまつわるいろんな話を知っています。En: They remembered Kenta, a local resident known for his knowledge and stories about the sea.Ja: 翌日、ハルとユイはケンタを訪ね、瓶を手渡しました。En: The next day, Haru and Yui visited Kenta and handed him the bottle.Ja: ケンタはその文字を見て、しばらく考え込みました。En: Kenta examined the writing and thought for a while.Ja: 「これは古い方言だね」と、ようやく口を開きました。En: "This is an old dialect," he finally said.Ja: 「ただ、話すのは難しい…」En: "But, it's difficult to understand..."Ja: 「何か助けたいけど、どうしたらいい？」ハルとはケンタの信頼を得たくて、自分の秘密を少しだけ共有しました。En: "How can we help?" Haru shared a small secret with Kenta, trying to gain his trust.Ja: その誠意が通じたのか、ケンタはゆっくりと語り始めました。En: Maybe because of this sincerity, Kenta slowly began to speak.Ja: 「このメッセージは、伝説の洞窟のことを語っていると思う」とケンタは言いました。En: "I think this message refers to a legendary cave," Kenta said.Ja: 「でも、その場所は危険かもしれない。僕は手伝えない」En: "However, that place might be dangerous. I can't help you."Ja: 無理やり聞き出すことはせず、ハルとユイは自分たちの力で洞窟を探しに行くことにしました。En: Without pressing Kenta further, Haru and Yui decided to use their own strength to search for the cave.Ja: エノデンの音が背景で響く中、海辺を歩いて新しい冒険に踏み出しました。En: As the sound of the Enoden train echoed in the background, they walked along the beach, setting out on a new adventure.Ja: 数時間後、彼らは古い伝承に語られた洞窟にたどり着きました。En: A few hours later, they reached a cave spoken of in ancient lore.Ja: 洞窟の中はひんやりとしていて、静寂が漂っています。En: The inside was cool and filled with silence.Ja: 奥深く進むと、古い遺物がちらほら目に入ります。En: As they ventured deeper, they caught glimpses of ancient artifacts.Ja: 「これ、きっとあの瓶のせいかな」とユイが囁くように言いました。En: "This must be because of the bottle," Yui whispered.Ja: 「ハルと、見つかったよ！」En: "Haru, we found it!"Ja: ハルとはボトルのメッセージに込められた言葉の意味を理解しました。En: Haru understood the meaning behind the words in the bottle's message.Ja: 地元の歴史を知り、その価値を見直すことができました。En: They gained knowledge of the local history and learned to appreciate its value.Ja: 都市の喧騒に戻る前に、彼は日本の文化遺産の大切さを胸に刻みました。En: Before returning to the urban hustle and bustle, he etched the importance of Japan's cultural heritage into his heart.Ja: 夕暮れのラストハルの空、ハルとは爽やかな風に包まれ、心が広がるような感覚を味わいながら帰路につきました。En: In the twilight's last glow, wrapped in a refreshing breeze, Haru felt his spirit expand as they made their way back.Ja: それは、彼自身の成長と、忘れられた物語を再発見した思い出の旅でした。En: It was a journey of personal growth and rediscovery of forgotten stories. Vocabulary Words:intense: 強くgathered: 集まってlanterns: ランタンremembrance: 偲ぶescape: 逃れるtint: 染まりwashed ashore: 漂着suppress: 抑えられsuppress: 抑えられdecode: 解読dialect: 方言legendary: 伝説のsincerity: 誠意gain: 得たくtrust: 信頼speak: 語りrefer: 語っているdangerous: 危険venture: 踏み出しましたdeeper: 奥深くartifacts: 遺物rediscovery: 再発見twilight: 夕暮れrefreshing: 爽やかなbreeze: 風expand: 広がるetched: 刻みましたheritage: 文化遺産personal growth: 成長forgotten: 忘れられた

On this episode, join hosts Diana, Ed, Kate, and Dennis for part 2 of our Fushigi Yugi rewatch, covering episodes 5 through 9. Miaka gets sent back to her world, but now Yui is missing! Nuriko's biggest secret is revealed. The reason why Tamahome is so money-driven surprises Miaka. Hotohori finally gets to set foot outside of the palace. And we get to meet Miaka's brother! Hopefully you also took ancient Chinese literature in college, because it's time to find another celestial warrior. 0:00:00 - Intro & The Watchlist 0:23:17 - Some Anime & Cosplay News 0:40:33 - Diana's Fushigi Yugi Origins 0:48:05 - EP05: Bewildered Heartbeat 1:13:09 - EP06: Even If I Die... 1:32:08 - EP07: Going Home 1:55:53 - EP08: Brief Parting 2:17:27 - EP09: Enemies Unseen 2:40:45 - Voices, Final Thoughts, & Kanpai Unfortunately, Fushigi Yugi is currently out of print, but you can still support the show by donating to our Ko-Fi link below.   Dennis: @ichnob | Diana: @binkxy | Ed: @ippennokuinashi | Kate: @taikochan Linktr.ee | Ko-Fi | RSS

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Lost in Shinjuku Gyoen: An Unexpected Adventure in Tokyo Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.org/lost-in-shinjuku-gyoen-an-unexpected-adventure-in-tokyo Story Transcript:Ja: 夏の日差しが輝く東京、新宿御苑。En: On a bright summer day in Tokyo, in Shinjuku Gyoen.Ja: 観光客がゆっくりと園内を歩き回っていました。En: Tourists were leisurely strolling through the park.Ja: ハルト、ソラ、ユイの三人もその中にいました。En: Among them were Haruto, Sora, and Yui.Ja: 今日はお盆の休みで、友達同士で散策を楽しんでいました。En: It was Obon holiday, and they were enjoying a walk together as friends.Ja: 「この温室、ほんとに素敵だね！」ソラが目を輝かせて言いました。En: "This greenhouse is really beautiful!" Sora exclaimed with shining eyes.Ja: ハルトはメモ帳を取り出しながら、温室の入場時間を確認しました。En: Haruto took out his notepad and checked the greenhouse's hours of operation.Ja: 「うん、16時30分まで営業するよ。まだ時間あるね。」En: "Yeah, it's open until 4:30 PM. We still have some time."Ja: 「あと少しで閉園だよ。そろそろ出た方がいいかも。」ユイが心配そうに言いました。En: "It's almost closing time. We should probably head out soon," Yui said worriedly.Ja: ハルトはうなずき、温室の出口に向かいました。En: Haruto nodded and headed for the greenhouse exit.Ja: しかし、ドアを開けようとすると、ガチャリと音がして開きません。En: However, when he tried to open the door, it made a rattling sound and wouldn't open.Ja: 「えっ、どうしよう？」ハルトが驚いて言いました。En: "What should we do?" Haruto said in surprise.Ja: どうやら、閉園時間が早まってしまったようでした。En: It seemed that the closing time had been moved up.Ja: 「まあ、これも冒険だよ！」ソラが笑いながら言いました。En: "Well, it's an adventure too!" Sora said, laughing.Ja: 「どこか別の出口を探そうよ！」En: "Let's find another exit!"Ja: 「でも、大変な事になったらどうするの？」ユイが不安そうに言いました。En: "But what if something happens?" Yui said anxiously.Ja: 「大丈夫、大丈夫。さあ、行こう！」ソラは手招きしました。En: "It's fine, it's fine. Come on, let's go!" Sora beckoned.Ja: ハルトはポケットから小さな工具セットを取り出し、鍵穴をじっくりと見つめました。En: Haruto took a small tool set out of his pocket and closely examined the keyhole.Ja: 「鍵を開けてみるよ。」En: "I'll try to unlock it."Ja: ハルトが鍵をいじっている間、ソラとユイは温室内を探し回りました。En: While Haruto was fiddling with the lock, Sora and Yui searched around the greenhouse.Ja: その途中、小さな扉を発見しました。En: Along the way, they discovered a small door.Ja: 「こっちだよ！」ソラが叫びました。En: "Over here!" Sora shouted.Ja: ハルトもユイもその扉に駆け寄りました。En: Both Haruto and Yui rushed to the door.Ja: しかし、扉には「アラーム設置」という看板がありました。En: However, there was a sign that read "Alarm Installed."Ja: ソラは笑顔で扉を開けようとしましたが、その瞬間、大きなアラーム音が鳴り響きました。En: Sora tried to open the door with a smile, but the moment she did, a loud alarm sounded.Ja: 「しまった！」ハルトが叫び、En: "Damn it!" shouted Haruto.Ja: みんなは慌てて近くの植物の陰に隠れました。En: They all hurried to hide behind some nearby plants.Ja: 少しすると、職員がやって来ました。En: After a while, a staff member arrived.Ja: 職員は三人を見つけると、微笑みながら言いました。「閉園時間を過ぎちゃいましたね。En: When the staff member found the three of them, he smiled and said, "Looks like you stayed past closing time.Ja: でも、今度から時間をしっかり確認してくださいね。」En: But make sure to check the time carefully next time."Ja: 三人は安堵し、お礼を言って外に出ました。En: The three of them felt relieved and thanked the staff as they exited.Ja: その帰り道、ハルトは考えました。「確かに、たまには予想外の事も悪くないかも。」En: On the way home, Haruto thought, "Indeed, sometimes unexpected situations aren't so bad after all."Ja: ソラも考えました。「次からは、少し慎重になろう。」En: Sora also thought, "Next time, I'll be a bit more cautious."Ja: ユイも心の中で思いました。「私は、もっと自分の意見を言わなきゃ。」En: Yui thought to herself, "I need to express my own opinions more."Ja: 新宿御苑の緑を背に、三人は友達同士の絆を深めた一日を終えました。En: With the greenery of Shinjuku Gyoen behind them, the three friends concluded a day that had deepened their bond. Vocabulary Words:bright: 日差しleisurely: ゆっくりstrolling: 歩き回ってgreenhouse: 温室exclaimed: 言いましたrattling: ガチャリadventure: 冒険beckoned: 手招きfiddling: いじってkeyhole: 鍵穴discovering: 発見しましたsign: 看板alarm: アラームnearby: 近くstaff: 職員closing time: 閉園時間hesitant: 不安そうunlock: 鍵を開けてcarefully: じっくりexamined: 見つめましたtool set: 工具セットmoment: 瞬間rushed: 駆け寄りましたexpress: 言わなきゃopinion: 意見vanished: 消えましたincident: 事件unexpected: 予想外careful: 慎重thought: 考えました

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Summer Confessions: Love Blooms Under the Festival Lanterns Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.org/summer-confessions-love-blooms-under-the-festival-lanterns Story Transcript:Ja: ショッピングモールは夏の午後、賑やかでした。En: The shopping mall was bustling on this summer afternoon.Ja: ところどころに飾られた色とりどりのちょうちんが、祭りの音楽に合わせて揺れています。En: Colorful lanterns decorated here and there swayed in time with the festival music.Ja: ハルとは、子供のころからの友達、ユイと一緒に、オボン祭りのための浴衣を探していました。En: Haruto was looking for a yukata for the Obon festival with his childhood friend, Yui.Ja: 「ハルと、どの色が好き？」ユイが明るく尋ねます。En: "Haruto, which color do you like?" Yui asked brightly.Ja: ハルとは、照れくさそうに回りを見回し、「えーと、青かな」と答えました。En: Haruto glanced around shyly and responded, "Uh, maybe blue."Ja: ユイは「青、いいね！」と笑顔でヒントをくれます。En: Yui smiled and said, "Blue is nice!"Ja: ハルとは、毎年のオボン祭りを楽しみにしていましたが、今年は特別でした。En: Haruto had always looked forward to the Obon festival each year, but this year was special.Ja: ユイに自分の気持ちを伝えたいと思っていたからです。En: He wanted to express his feelings to Yui.Ja: しかし、どの浴衣が彼女に似合うと思っても、選択肢が多すぎて迷っていました。En: However, with so many options, he was having trouble deciding which yukata would suit her best.Ja: 「ユイ、僕…ちょっと選ぶの手伝ってくれない？」ハルとは勇気を出して頼みました。En: "Yui, could you help me pick one?" Haruto mustered the courage to ask.Ja: ユイは「もちろん、任せて！」と喜んで応じました。En: Yui cheerfully agreed, "Of course, leave it to me!"Ja: そして、彼女は色々な浴衣を選んで試着してみせました。En: She began selecting and trying on various yukatas to show Haruto.Ja: ある浴衣を着たユイが、ハルとに振り向き、「これ、どう？」と尋ねました。En: Wearing one of the yukatas, Yui turned to Haruto and asked, "How about this?"Ja: ハルとはその美しい姿に息を呑み、「すごく似合ってる」と答えました。En: Breathless at her beauty, Haruto replied, "It suits you very well."Ja: ユイはくるりと回って見せ、「本当？ありがとう！」と嬉しそうに笑いました。En: Yui spun around happily and said, "Really? Thank you!"Ja: その瞬間、ハルとは心臓が早くなったのを感じました。En: At that moment, Haruto felt his heart race.Ja: この瞬間を逃したくなくて、勇気を振り絞り、「ユイ、僕、君に言いたいことがあるんだ」と言いました。En: Not wanting to miss the opportunity, he gathered his courage and said, "Yui, there's something I want to tell you."Ja: ユイは驚いた顔をしながらも、「なに？」と優しく問いかけました。En: Yui looked surprised but gently asked, "What is it?"Ja: ハルとは深呼吸し、「実は…僕、ずっと君のことが好きだった」と告白しました。En: Haruto took a deep breath and confessed, "Actually... I've liked you for a long time."Ja: 一瞬、静寂が訪れ、ハルとは不安になりました。En: For a moment, there was silence, and Haruto felt anxious.Ja: しかし、ユイは微笑み、「私も、ハルとが好きだったよ」と答えました。En: But then Yui smiled and said, "I like you too, Haruto."Ja: 二人はその場で抱き合い、心が通じ合った瞬間を喜びました。En: The two embraced, celebrating the moment their feelings connected.Ja: ハルとはその後、自分に自信を持つようになり、ユイとの関係もより深まり、素敵な夏の思い出となりました。En: Afterward, Haruto became more confident, and his relationship with Yui deepened, creating a beautiful summer memory.Ja: オボン祭りの夜、二人は手をつないで、笑顔でちょうちんの光の中を歩いていました。En: On the night of the Obon festival, they walked hand in hand, smiling amidst the glow of the lanterns.Ja: 彼らの友情は、素敵な恋愛へと変わり、新たな章が始まりました。En: Their friendship blossomed into a wonderful romance, marking the beginning of a new chapter.Ja: ショッピングモールの明かりが、この幸せな二人を祝福しているかのようでした。En: It felt as if the lights of the shopping mall were blessing the happy couple. Vocabulary Words:bustling: 賑やかfestival: 祭りlantern: ちょうちんyukata: 浴衣childhood friend: 子供のころからの友達brightly: 明るくshyly: 照れくさそうにexpress: 伝えるfeelings: 気持ちsuits: 似合うmustered: 勇気を出してtrying on: 試着breathless: 息を呑むcourage: 勇気confessed: 告白anxious: 不安embraced: 抱き合うdeepen: 深まるblossomed: 変わりromance: 恋愛chapter: 章glow: 光special: 特別selecting: 選んでswayed: 揺れるoption: 選択肢cheerfully: 喜んでmoment: 瞬間relationship: 関係happily: 嬉しそうに

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Confessions in Nara: A Summer's Tale of Friendship and Love Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.org/confessions-in-nara-a-summers-tale-of-friendship-and-love Story Transcript:Ja: 穏やかな夏の日、京都の高校は活気にあふれていました。En: On a calm summer day, a high school in Kyoto was brimming with energy.Ja: 生徒たちは学校旅行の準備に忙しいです。En: The students were busy preparing for a school trip.Ja: 目的地は古都奈良。En: Their destination was the ancient city of Nara.Ja: 緑豊かな奈良公園や荘厳な東大寺が待っています。En: The lush Nara Park and the majestic Todai-ji Temple awaited them.Ja: 広志は教室の片隅でカバンを整理しています。En: Hiroshi was organizing his bag in a corner of the classroom.Ja: 彼は静かで内向的な生徒です。En: He was a quiet and introverted student.Ja: 友達の結衣が近づいてきました。En: His friend Yui approached him.Ja: 「広志、準備はできた？」彼女は明るく声をかけます。En: "Hiroshi, are you ready?" she asked brightly.Ja: 「うん、準備はできたよ。」広志は微笑んで答えました。En: "Yeah, I'm ready." Hiroshi replied with a smile.Ja: しかし、心の中では緊張しています。En: However, inside he was nervous.Ja: 今回の旅行で、結衣に自分の気持ちを伝えようと決心しているからです。En: He had resolved to confess his feelings to Yui during this trip.Ja: しかし、新しい転校生の重男も気になります。En: But the new transfer student, Shigeo, also concerned him.Ja: 彼は結衣に興味を持っているようです。En: It seemed that Shigeo was interested in Yui, too.Ja: バスが奈良に到着しました。En: The bus arrived in Nara.Ja: 奈良公園の鹿が生徒たちを迎えます。En: The deer in Nara Park welcomed the students.Ja: 結衣は笑顔で鹿にせんべいをあげています。En: Yui was feeding the deer with rice crackers, smiling.Ja: 広志はその光景を見て、さらに胸が痛くなります。En: Seeing this scene made Hiroshi's heart ache even more.Ja: タイミングを見つけて、重男に質問しました。En: Finding the right moment, he asked Shigeo a question.Ja: 「重男、結衣のことが好きなのか？」広志は勇気を出して聞きました。En: "Shigeo, do you like Yui?" Hiroshi courageously asked.Ja: 「いや、友達だよ。でも、広志がどう思っているかは知っている。」重男は真剣な表情で答えました。En: "No, we're just friends. But I know what you feel," Shigeo replied with a serious expression.Ja: 「本当に？」広志は驚きました。En: "Really?" Hiroshi was surprised.Ja: 「本当にさ。頑張って、彼女に気持ちを伝えるんだ。」重男は励まします。En: "Really. Go ahead, tell her how you feel." Shigeo encouraged him.Ja: 一行は次に東大寺に向かいました。En: Next, the group headed to Todai-ji Temple.Ja: 大仏の前で広志は心を決めました。En: In front of the Great Buddha, Hiroshi made up his mind.Ja: 彼は結衣に歩み寄りました。En: He walked up to Yui.Ja: 「結衣、ちょっと話があるんだ。」広志は緊張しながら口を開きます。En: "Yui, I need to talk to you," Hiroshi said nervously.Ja: 「何？広志。」結衣は広志に目を向けました。En: "What is it, Hiroshi?" Yui turned her gaze to Hiroshi.Ja: 「僕は、ずっと前から君のことが好きだった。友達でいられるのが怖かったけど、正直に伝えたかった。」広志は一気に言いました。En: "I've liked you for a long time. I was afraid of just being friends, but I wanted to be honest." Hiroshi blurted out quickly.Ja: 結衣は驚いた表情をしましたが、すぐに微笑みました。En: Yui looked surprised but soon smiled.Ja: 「広志、私も同じ気持ちだった。でも、言い出せなかったの。」En: "Hiroshi, I felt the same way. But I couldn't say it either."Ja: 「本当に？」広志は信じられないように聞き返しました。En: "Really?" Hiroshi asked in disbelief.Ja: 「本当に。広志、ありがとう。」結衣は広志の手を握りました。En: "Really. Thank you, Hiroshi." Yui held Hiroshi's hand.Ja: そのとき、重男が近づいてきました。En: At that moment, Shigeo approached them.Ja: 「やったね、広志。おめでとう。」En: "Well done, Hiroshi. Congratulations."Ja: 「ありがとう、重男。」広志は感謝の気持ちを込めて答えました。En: "Thank you, Shigeo," Hiroshi replied gratefully.Ja: 広志は自分の気持ちを素直に伝えたことで、自信を持つようになりました。En: By expressing his feelings honestly, Hiroshi gained confidence.Ja: 瞬間を大切にすることの大事さを学びました。En: He learned the importance of cherishing the moment.Ja: そして、結衣との関係もより深まりました。En: And his relationship with Yui deepened.Ja: 夏の日差しが奈良の景色を照らし、生徒たちは素敵な思い出を胸に帰りました。En: The summer sun illuminated the scenery of Nara as the students returned home with wonderful memories.Ja: 広志と結衣の冒険は、ここから始まったのです。En: Hiroshi and Yui's adventure had just begun. Vocabulary Words:calm: 穏やかなbrimming: あふれていましたlush: 緑豊かなmajestic: 荘厳なquiet: 静かintroverted: 内向的なapproached: 近づいてきましたnervous: 緊張していますresolved: 決心しているconfess: 伝えようとtransfer student: 転校生concerned: 気になりますwelcomed: 迎えますache: 痛くなりますcourageously: 勇気を出してexpression: 表情surprised: 驚きましたserious: 真剣なmoment: タイミングdestination: 目的地organizing: 整理していますrice crackers: せんべいminded: 心を決めましたgaze: 目を向けましたblurted: 言いましたdisbelief: 信じられないようにilluminated: 照らしcherishing: 大切にするconfidence: 自信relationship: 関係

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Love, Exams, and Dreams in the Heart of Tokyo Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.org/love-exams-and-dreams-in-the-heart-of-tokyo Story Transcript:Ja: 東京の大都会。En: The bustling metropolis of Tokyo.Ja: ビルが空高くそびえ立ち、ネオンの光が街を照らしています。En: Skyscrapers tower high into the sky, and neon lights illuminate the city.Ja: 夏の暑さが厳しく、学生たちは期末試験に向けて一生懸命勉強しています。En: The summer heat is intense, and students are studying diligently for their final exams.Ja: 学校の廊下には緊張の空気が漂っています。En: The atmosphere in the school corridors is tense.Ja: ハルは教室の片隅で教科書を見つめています。En: In a corner of the classroom, Haru is staring at his textbook.Ja: 彼の目には決意が満ちていました。En: Determination fills his eyes.Ja: 両親の期待を裏切らないよう、トップの成績を取るために毎日遅くまで勉強しています。En: To live up to his parents' expectations and achieve top grades, he studies late into the night every day.Ja: しかし、そのプレッシャーでハルは疲れきっていました。En: However, the pressure has left Haru exhausted.Ja: 「もっと頑張らなきゃ」と自分に言い聞かせるハル。En: “I have to try harder,” Haru tells himself.Ja: 彼は夜も寝ずに勉強を続ける決心をしました。En: He resolves to continue studying without sleeping at night.Ja: 一方、ユイは美術室で絵を描いていました。En: Meanwhile, Yui is in the art room, painting.Ja: 彼女は勉強よりも絵を描くことが好きです。しかし、試験で合格しなければならないことは分かっています。En: She prefers drawing to studying, but she understands that she must pass the exams.Ja: ユイは悩んでいました。「どうやって両立させよう？」と心の中で問いかけます。En: Yui is troubled, asking herself in her heart, "How can I balance both?"Ja: ユイにとってアートは心の支えでした。En: For Yui, art was a source of solace.Ja: 彼女はアートと勉強の時間を均等に分けることを決めました。En: She decided to divide her time equally between art and studying.Ja: 静かな性格のタケシは、クラスで科学が得意な生徒です。彼は密かにユイを愛していました。En: Takeshi, a quiet student in the class who excels in science, secretly loved Yui.Ja: ユイが試験に合格できるように助けたいと思っていました。En: He wanted to help her pass the exams.Ja: タケシは自分の勉強時間を削ってでも、ユイを教えることを決意しました。En: Takeshi decided to cut back on his own study time to tutor Yui.Ja: 期末試験の最終日がやってきました。En: The final day of exams arrived.Ja: その朝、ハルは疲れ果てて倒れてしまいました。En: That morning, Haru collapsed from exhaustion.Ja: ユイは結果を諦めかけます。En: Yui almost gave up on the results.Ja: しかし、タケシは彼女を励まし、力を貸します。En: However, Takeshi encouraged and helped her.Ja: 「ユイ、君ならできるよ」とタケシが優しく言いました。En: “Yui, you can do it,” Takeshi said gently.Ja: この言葉でユイは勇気を取り戻しました。En: His words restored Yui's courage.Ja: そして、タケシは自分の気持ちを告白しました。En: Then, Takeshi confessed his feelings.Ja: 「ユイ、ずっと君が好きでした」と。En: "Yui, I've always liked you," he said.Ja: ユイは驚きましたが、タケシの一生懸命な姿を見て感動しました。En: Yui was surprised, but she was moved by Takeshi's earnestness.Ja: 「ありがとう、タケシ」と彼女は笑顔で応じました。En: “Thank you, Takeshi,” she responded with a smile.Ja: ハルは医務室で目を覚まし、自分の無理を反省しました。En: Haru awoke in the infirmary and reflected on his overexertion.Ja: 一緒に勉強してくれた友達や家族のサポートが大切であることを理解しました。En: He realized the importance of the support from his friends and family who studied with him.Ja: ユイは試験に合格し、アートの作品も学校で認められました。En: Yui passed the exams, and her art was recognized at school.Ja: タケシはユイの気持ちが自分と同じであることを知り、自信を持つようになりました。En: Takeshi learned that Yui felt the same way about him and gained confidence.Ja: 三人はそれぞれ成長しました。En: Each of the three grew in their own way.Ja: ハルはバランスの取れた生活を大切にするようになり、ユイは自信を持って自分の道を歩むことができました。タケシは自己肯定感を持ち、新しい関係が始まりました。En: Haru came to value a balanced life, Yui gained the confidence to walk her own path, and Takeshi developed self-esteem and began a new relationship.Ja: こうして、厳しい夏の終わりに、彼らは新しい一歩を踏み出しました。En: Thus, at the end of that harsh summer, they took new steps forward.Ja: 東京の大都会の中で、それぞれの夢に向かって進んでいきました。En: In the vibrant city of Tokyo, each pursued their own dreams. Vocabulary Words:metropolis: 大都会skyscrapers: ビルilluminate: 照らしていますfinal exams: 期末試験atmosphere: 空気corridors: 廊下determination: 決意expectations: 期待achieve: 取るpressure: プレッシャーexhausted: 疲れきってresolves: 決心solace: 心の支えdivide: 分けるtutor: 教えるcollapse: 倒れてしまいましたencouraged: 励ましearnestness: 一生懸命な姿reflected: 反省overexertion: 無理support: サポートrecognized: 認められましたconfidence: 自信self-esteem: 自己肯定感balanced life: バランスの取れた生活relationship: 関係vibrant: 大都会harsh: 厳しいpursued: 進んdreams: 夢

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: A Day in Arashiyama: Unveiling Magic at Kyoto's Bamboo Grove Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.org/a-day-in-arashiyama-unveiling-magic-at-kyotos-bamboo-grove Story Transcript:Ja: 今日はとても特別な日でした。En: Today was a very special day.Ja: ハルトとユイは京都の嵐山竹林へ行くことにしました。En: Haruto and Yui decided to visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto.Ja: 爽やかな朝の空気が広がる中、二人は竹林の道を歩き始めました。En: As the fresh morning air spread, the two began walking along the bamboo path.Ja: 「この場所、素晴らしいね。」ユイは竹の葉がそよぐ音を聞きながら笑顔で言いました。En: "This place is wonderful," Yui said with a smile, listening to the rustling of the bamboo leaves.Ja: 「そうだね。とても平和だ。」ハルトも同感です。En: "Yeah, it's so peaceful," Haruto agreed.Ja: 二人は鳥のさえずりや風の音を楽しみながら、静かに歩きました。En: They quietly walked, enjoying the chirping of birds and the sound of the wind.Ja: 少し歩くと、道の両側に提灯が並んでいるのを見つけました。En: After walking for a bit, they found lanterns lining both sides of the path.Ja: 提灯には色とりどりのデザインが描かれていて、不思議な光景でした。En: The lanterns had all sorts of colorful designs and created a mysterious scene.Ja: 「これ、何だろう？」ユイが興味津々に言いました。En: "What could this be?" Yui said with curiosity.Ja: 「調べてみよう。」ハルトが提灯を指して言いました。En: "Let's find out," Haruto said, pointing at the lanterns.Ja: 二人は提灯の並ぶ小道を進みました。En: The two continued down the lantern-lit path.Ja: やがて、明るい広場が見えてきました。そこには人々が集まり、何かの儀式を行っていました。En: Soon, they saw a bright square where people were gathered, performing some sort of ceremony.Ja: 「今日、収穫祭だ！」ハルトが驚きを込めて言いました。En: "It's a harvest festival today!" Haruto said with surprise.Ja: 「毎年この時期に行われるんだ。」En: "It's held every year around this time."Ja: 「素敵ね。私たち、参加してもいいのかな？」ユイはワクワクしながら聞きました。En: "How wonderful. Can we join?" Yui asked excitedly.Ja: すると、背の高い老人が近づいてきました。En: Then, a tall old man approached them.Ja: 「いらっしゃい。私たちの収穫祭を楽しんでください。」En: "Welcome. Please enjoy our harvest festival."Ja: 老人の招待に応じて、ハルトとユイは祭りの中に踏み出しました。En: At the old man's invitation, Haruto and Yui stepped into the festival.Ja: そこには地元の食べ物や、竹で作られた装飾品がいっぱいでした。En: It was filled with local food and bamboo decorations.Ja: 人々はみんな笑顔で、感謝の意を述べていました。En: Everyone was smiling, expressing their gratitude.Ja: ユイは竹の楽器の音に耳を傾け、ハルトは温かな食べ物を味わいました。En: Yui listened to the sound of bamboo instruments, while Haruto savored the warm food.Ja: 人々が合唱する歌声が空に響きわたりました。En: The sound of people singing together echoed through the sky.Ja: 時間が経つと、ハルトとユイは竹林の出口に向かいました。En: As time passed, Haruto and Yui headed towards the exit of the bamboo grove.Ja: 「この日を絶対に忘れない。」ユイが言いました。En: "I will never forget this day," Yui said.Ja: 「本当に素晴らしかった。」En: "It was truly wonderful."Ja: 「そうだね。また必ず来よう。」ハルトが応えました。En: "Yeah, let's definitely come back again," Haruto replied.Ja: 二人は手を繋ぎ、幸せな気持ちで帰りの道を歩きました。En: Walking hand in hand, they took the path back with happy hearts.Ja: 嵐山の竹林は静かに二人を見送っていました。En: The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove quietly saw them off.Ja: こうして、ハルトとユイの特別な一日は終わりを迎えました。En: Thus, Haruto and Yui's special day came to an end.Ja: 心に残る思い出とともに、また一つ、新しい伝説が嵐山に刻まれました。En: With memorable feelings in their hearts, another new legend was etched into Arashiyama. Vocabulary Words:special: 特別bamboo: 竹path: 道rustling: そよぐ音peaceful: 平和cherish: 大切にするcuriosity: 興味津々mysterious: 不思議ceremony: 儀式harvest festival: 収穫祭invitation: 招待bamboo decorations: 竹で作られた装飾品gratitude: 感謝instruments: 楽器gather: 集まるsavory: 味わうecho: 響き渡るmemorable: 心に残るlegend: 伝説bright: 明るいlocal food: 地元の食べ物expressing: 述べるwalking: 歩くchirping: さえずりlantern: 提灯square: 広場performing: 行っているexcitedly: ワクワクしながらapproached: 近づくstepped into: 踏み出す

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Mystical Journey: A Day at Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.org/mystical-journey-a-day-at-fushimi-inari-taisha-in-kyoto Story Transcript:Ja: 京都の伏見稲荷大社で、家族が参拝をしており、鳥居の道を散策します。En: At Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, a family is visiting the shrine and strolling along the path of torii gates.Ja: 青空が広がるこの日に、ハルトとユイは大きな山門の前に立っていました。En: On this day, with blue skies stretching out above, Haruto and Yui stood before the grand mountain gate.Ja: 「ここが伏見稲荷か、すごいね！」とハルトが言いました。En: "This is Fushimi Inari, huh? It's incredible!" Haruto said.Ja: 彼は小学四年生で、歴史に興味があります。En: He is a fourth grader with an interest in history.Ja: 「うん、お母さんがよく来た場所だって」とユイも同意しました。En: "Yeah, Mom said she used to come here often," Yui agreed.Ja: ユイは中学生で、静かに神社の美しさを楽しんでいました。En: Yui, a middle school student, quietly appreciated the beauty of the shrine.Ja: 家族はまず、本殿でお祓いをしました。En: First, the family performed a purification ritual at the main hall.Ja: ハルトは真剣に手を合わせ、「良い成績が取れますように」と祈りました。En: Haruto clasped his hands together earnestly and prayed, "I hope I can get good grades."Ja: ユイも静かに祈り、心の中で願いを述べました。En: Yui also prayed silently, making a wish in her heart.Ja: その後、家族は有名な赤い鳥居の道を歩き始めました。En: After that, the family began to walk along the famous path of red torii gates.Ja: 「この鳥居、数えきれないね」とハルトが感心しました。En: "You can't even count these torii gates," Haruto marveled.Ja: 道はずっと赤い鳥居が続いていて、幻想的な景色が広がっていました。En: The path was lined with an endless procession of red torii, creating a magical scene.Ja: 途中、道の脇には小さな神社がありました。En: Along the way, there was a small shrine by the side of the path.Ja: 「ここもお祈りできるんだね」とユイは言いました。En: "You can pray here too," Yui mentioned.Ja: 家族は立ち寄り、小さな神社でもお祈りをしました。En: The family stopped by and offered prayers at the small shrine as well.Ja: 坂道を登ると、見晴らしの良い場所に着きました。En: When they climbed the hill, they reached a place with a great view.Ja: 「ここからの眺め、素晴らしいな」とお父さんが言いました。En: "The view from here is magnificent," their father remarked.Ja: 家族全員、山の景色を楽しみながら一息つきました。En: The whole family took a moment to enjoy the mountain scenery.Ja: 帰り道、ハルトは「また来たいな」と言いました。En: On the way back, Haruto said, "I want to come here again."Ja: ユイも「次は友達とも来たいな」と嬉しそうに同意しました。En: Yui also happily agreed, "Next time, I want to come with my friends too."Ja: その夜、家族は夕食を楽しみながら、伏見稲荷大社の話を続けました。En: That night, the family continued talking about their visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha over dinner.Ja: お母さんは「昔、おばあちゃんと来たときの思い出が蘇ってきたわ」と微笑みました。En: Their mother smiled and said, "It brought back memories of when I came here with Grandma."Ja: ハルトはベッドに入る前に、「今日の祈りが叶うといいな」と思いながら眠りにつきました。En: Before going to bed, Haruto thought, "I hope today's prayer comes true," as he drifted off to sleep.Ja: ユイも「また家族で一緒に来たいな」と心の中で呟きました。En: Yui also murmured in her heart, "I want to come back here with my family again."Ja: そして、家族の絆はさらに強くなったのでした。En: And so, the family's bonds grew even stronger.Ja: 伏見稲荷大社での一日は、彼らにとって忘れられない大切な思い出となりました。En: Their day at Fushimi Inari Taisha became an unforgettable and cherished memory for them. Vocabulary Words:strolling: 散策torii gates: 鳥居stretching out: 広がるgrand: 大きなshrine: 神社incredible: すごいfourth grader: 小学四年生appreciated: 楽しんでいましたpurification ritual: お祓いmain hall: 本殿clasped: 手を合わせearnestly: 真剣にsilently: 静かにprayed: 祈りましたmagical scene: 幻想的な景色procession: 続いていてpath: 道marveled: 感心しましたoffered prayers: お祈りしましたhill: 坂道great view: 見晴らしの良い場所scenery: 景色unforgettable: 忘れられないcherished: 大切なmemories: 思い出bonds: 絆magnificent: 素晴らしいritual: 儀式climbed: 登るremarked: 言いました

In this episode of the Alpha Pickleball Podcast, hosts dive deep into the dynamic world of pickleball with special guests Mike and Yui from the Canadian National Pickleball League. From the origins of the league to its vision for the future, listeners are treated to a volley of insights, strategies, and stories that showcase the growth and potential of pickleball in Canada. With engaging conversations about team ownership, player development, social media strategy, and more, this episode serves up a comprehensive look at how the CNPL is elevating the game to alpha levels. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just stepping onto the court, get ready to slice through the noise and gain an ace perspective on all things pickleball. Let the rallies begin!

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Unforgettable Day at Fushimi Inari Shrine: Kyoto Journey Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.org/unforgettable-day-at-fushimi-inari-shrine-kyoto-journey Story Transcript:Ja: 京都の六月の朝、晴れた空の下、遥、健太、由依は伏見稲荷神社に向かいました。En: On a June morning in Kyoto, under a clear sky, Haruka, Kenta, and Yui headed to Fushimi Inari Shrine.Ja: 赤い鳥居が続く山道を登るためです。En: They were going to climb the mountain path lined with red torii gates.Ja: 遥は明るい笑顔で言いました。「今日は探検の日だね！」En: With a bright smile, Haruka said, "Today is an adventure day!"Ja: 三人は大きな鳥居をくぐりました。En: The three of them passed through a large torii gate.Ja: 遥は前を歩きます。次に健太と由依が続きます。En: Haruka walked in front, followed by Kenta and Yui.Ja: 「鳥居がたくさんあるね。」由依は驚きの声を上げました。En: "There are so many torii gates," Yui exclaimed in surprise.Ja: 「鳥居の道はずっと続いているんだ。」健太は答えました。「頂上まで行こう。」En: "The path of torii gates continues all the way up," Kenta replied. "Let's go to the top."Ja: 鳥居の間を進むと、風が優しく彼らの顔を撫でました。En: As they proceeded between the gates, a gentle breeze caressed their faces.Ja: 静かな山道は神秘的な雰囲気に包まれています。En: The quiet mountain path was enveloped in a mystical atmosphere.Ja: 「素敵な場所だね。」遥は感心しました。「ここで少し休もう。」En: "What a wonderful place," Haruka marvelled. "Let's take a break here."Ja: 三人は小さな休憩所に座りました。En: The three of them sat at a small rest area.Ja: 桜の木の下で、おにぎりを分け合います。En: Under the cherry blossom tree, they shared some rice balls.Ja: 「ここで何か不思議なことが起きたらどうする？」健太が冗談を言います。En: "What if something mysterious happened here?" Kenta joked.Ja: 「例えば、キツネに出会ったら？」由依は笑いながら続けました。En: "For example, if we met a fox?" Yui added with a laugh.Ja: 遥は目を輝かせました。「それも楽しいかも！」En: Haruka's eyes sparkled. "That might be fun too!"Ja: 休憩が終わり、再び歩き始めました。En: After their break, they started walking again.Ja: 途中で彼らは他の参拝者たちにも会いました。En: Along the way, they met other visitors.Ja: みんな、鳥居の続く道に魅了されています。En: Everyone was captivated by the path lined with torii gates.Ja: さらに進むと、道は少し険しくなりました。En: As they proceeded further, the path became a bit steeper.Ja: 疲れが見え始めた頃、頂上が見えてきました。En: When they started to show signs of fatigue, the summit came into view.Ja: 「やった！頂上だよ！」健太は叫びました。En: "We did it! It's the top!" Kenta shouted.Ja: 「ここからの景色はきっと素敵だよ。」遥は手をかざして景色を眺めます。En: "The view from here must be amazing," Haruka said, shielding her eyes to look out at the scenery.Ja: 頂上に到着した三人は、京都市の広がる景色を楽しみました。En: Having reached the summit, the three of them enjoyed the expansive view of Kyoto City.Ja: 青い空と緑の木々、そして遠くに見える町並み。En: The blue sky, the green trees, and the distant townscape.Ja: 由依は深呼吸をしました。「ここまで来て、本当に良かった。」En: Yui took a deep breath. "I'm really glad we came this far."Ja: 「そうだね。」健太が頷きました。「この景色は一生の思い出だ。」En: "Yes," Kenta nodded. "This view is a memory for a lifetime."Ja: 「また来ようね。」遥が提案しました。En: "Let's come again," Haruka suggested.Ja: 三人は笑顔で頷き、山を下り始めました。En: The three of them nodded with smiles and began to descend the mountain.Ja: 次の探検はどこになるのか、皆が心待ちにしています。En: Everyone eagerly looked forward to their next adventure.Ja: 京都の伏見稲荷神社での一日が、彼らにとってかけがえのない思い出となりました。En: The day at Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto became an invaluable memory for them.Ja: そして、三人の友情もより深くなったのです。En: And their friendship deepened even more.Ja: おわり。En: The end. Vocabulary Words:adventure: 探検summit: 頂上expansive: 広がるenchanted: 魅了されていますmystical: 神秘的journey: 旅steeper: 険しくbreeze: 風contemplative: 物思いにふけるenveloped: 包まれていますcaptivated: 魅了されていますcaressed: 撫でましたrest area: 休憩所scenery: 景色exclaimed: 声を上げましたfatigue: 疲れsparkled: 輝かせましたshielding: 手をかざしてeagerly: 心待ちinvaluable: かけがえのないmemorable: 思い出fox: キツネinviting: 誘ったtownscape: 町並みsuggested: 提案しましたcontemplated: 熟考しましたenthralled: 魅了されましたpath: 道journeyed: 旅しましたproceeded: 進む

Send us a Text Message.For decades now, Dr. Lisa Yui has inspired audiences with her playing, has promoted the piano with her writing and speaking, and is raising up a new generation of artists with her teaching. Her career is multifaceted and multi-variegated; it shines with brilliance and excellence. It was an absolute honor to explore with her the Taubman Approach and its impact on her astounding pianism. Be sure to visit Lisa's website for more information about this incredible person, artist and pianist. Lisa Yui's website. Described as “a musical phenomenon” (Pianiste magazine), Yamaha Artist Lisa Yui enjoys a multifaceted musical career as pianist, lecturer, teacher, author, and musical director. Since making her concerto debut at the age of seven, Lisa Yui has performed throughout North America, Europe, and Asia as a recitalist and soloist with orchestra. She is the top prizewinner of the Senigallia International Piano Competition in Italy, the Super Classics International Auditions in Tokyo, and has twice been the recipient of a Canada Council Scholarship. Lisa Yui has performed as soloist with prominent orchestras such as the Tokyo Symphony, Polish National Radio, Toronto Symphony, Edmonton Symphony, the Montreal Metropolitan Orchestra, and the Krakow State Philharmonic. Her performances have been broadcast on WQXR (New York), CBC (Canadian Broadcast Corporation), CJRT-FM (Ontario, Canada), and STV (Sapporo, Japan). She has performed in Suntory Hall in Tokyo, Roy Thompson Hall in Toronto, Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, and the Liszt Ferenc Memorial Museum in Budapest, among other major concert venues around the world.As a lecturer and performer, Ms. Yui originated The Lives of the Piano, Manhattan School of Music's first piano lecture/concert series, now in its 23rd season. She has been invited as a lecturer to the Juilliard School, Kunitachi Music University, Princeton University, Washington and Lee University, and the University of Toronto, among other universities, colleges and venues.   Lisa Yui's insightful writing on music has appeared in numerous publications such as Clavier Companion, EPTA Journal, and Listen, on a variety of topics including the life and influence of the virtuosic 19th-century pianist Marie Pleyel, on whom Dr. Yui wrote her doctoral thesis. Lisa Yui is currently on the faculty of the Juilliard Extension, where she teaches piano and a new lecture/performance course, Keyboard Literature in Concert. Previous appointments include piano faculty at John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University, Associate Dean of Assessment and Academic Programs at Manhattan School of Music, department chair of the Music Advancement Program at the Juilliard School, and director of Ensemble 212's Young Artist Competition Series. She also taught a course on the social history of the piano at Marymount Manhattan College for many years. Lisa Yui has served as a member of numerous competition juries includiThe Golandsky Institute's mission is to provide cutting-edge instruction to pianists based on the groundbreaking work of Dorothy Taubman. This knowledge can help them overcome technical and musical challenges, cure and prevent playing-related injuries, and lead them to achieve their highest level of artistic excellence.Please visit our website at: www.golandskyinstitute.org.

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Unexpected Dance: Haruto's Flash Mob Surprise at Shibuya Crossing Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.org/unexpected-dance-harutos-flash-mob-surprise-at-shibuya-crossing Story Transcript:Ja: 渋谷の交差点はいつも忙しい。ある晴れた日、春人、由衣、健太は買い物を楽しんでいました。En: The Shibuya crossing is always busy. On a sunny day, Haruto, Yui, and Kenta were enjoying shopping.Ja: 「見て！あそこに大勢の人がいる！」と由衣が叫びました。彼らはカメラを持って踊っていました。En: "Look! There are a lot of people over there!" Yui yelled. They were dancing with cameras.Ja: 春人は笑顔で言いました。「フラッシュモブかな？僕も踊って参加しよう！」そして春人は人ごみに飛び込みました。En: With a smile, Haruto said, "Is it a flash mob? I'll join them and dance too!" And with that, Haruto jumped into the crowd.Ja: しかし、それはフラッシュモブではありませんでした。それは観光客のためのダンスビデオでした。En: However, it wasn't a flash mob. It was a dance video for tourists.Ja: カメラマンが「カット！もう一回！」と叫びました。春人は気づきました。「えっ、違うのか？」En: The cameraman yelled, "Cut! Let's do it again!" Haruto realized, "Huh, it's not what I thought?"Ja: 由衣と健太は笑いました。「春人、ダンス上手だったよ！」と健太が言いました。En: Yui and Kenta laughed. "Haruto, you danced pretty well!" Kenta said.Ja: 観光客たちは春人の参加を歓迎しました。「一緒に踊りましょう！」と言いました。春人は恥ずかしそうに微笑みましたが、再び踊り始めました。En: The tourists welcomed Haruto's participation. "Let's dance together!" they said. Haruto smiled sheepishly but started dancing again.Ja: その日の午後、友達はカフェで休みました。由衣は言いました。「今日は楽しかったね！」En: That afternoon, the friends took a break at a café. Yui said, "Today was fun!"Ja: 春人は頷きました。「うん、渋谷は驚きに満ちている。」En: Haruto nodded. "Yeah, Shibuya is full of surprises."Ja: そして彼らは一緒に笑いました。渋谷の交差点にはまだ多くの人々が行き交っていました。街はいつも活気に満ちています。En: And they laughed together. At the Shibuya crossing, there were still many people passing by. The city is always bustling with activity. Vocabulary Words:crossing: 交差点busy: 忙しいsunny: 晴れたshopping: 買い物yelled: 叫びましたdancing: 踊ってsmile: 笑顔flash mob: フラッシュモブcrowd: 人ごみtourists: 観光客cameraman: カメラマンrealized: 気づきましたparticipation: 参加welcomed: 歓迎しましたsheepishly: 恥ずかしそうにbreak: 休みましたactivity: 活気bustling: 活気に満ちてsurprises: 驚きcafé: カフェafternoon: 午後full: 満ちてlaughed: 笑いましたpretty well: 上手together: 一緒にstill: まだpassing by: 行き交ってcrowd: 人ごみsmiled: 微笑みましたdance again: 再び踊り始めました

Today's episode dives deep into the churning waters and blazing fires of the "Avatar: The Last Airbender" live-action adaptation on Netflix. We analyze everything from the nail-biting battle between the Water Tribe and the Fire Nation to the emotional intensity of Sokka and Yui's relationship. Plus, a focus on the spiritual guidance Aang receives from Avatar Kuruk adds layers to his quest in mastering the elements.We'll also share some thoughts on what could have enhanced the storytelling, like delving deeper into Jet's backstory, which felt noticeably short-changed. Could a few additional scenes have given his character the depth he deserved?Join us as we bend our way through the successes and pitfalls of bringing this beloved world to life. Whether you're Team Avatar or secretly rooting for the Fire Nation, this discussion is set to heat things up!DISCLAIMER: Spoiler alert! "We're Too Literary" will dive deep into the folds of the narrative, characters, and world-building aspects of the media we dissect. Our conversations are filled with analysis and reimagining, which are crucial for offering our take on how the story unfolds. Thanks for tuning in and getting literary with us.

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: The Tokyo Train Trials: A Journey of Bonds and Unity Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.org/the-tokyo-train-trials-a-journey-of-bonds-and-unity Story Transcript:Ja: 東京の喧騒の中、静かな夜が訪れる。ハルト、アカリ、そしてユイは、「Rubyという名前の混雑した電車」に乗る。3人とも赤坂駅で降りる目的がありますが、電車は人でぎっしり詰まっていて、それが困難な挑戦になりそうだとすぐに理解します。En: In the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, a quiet night falls. Haruto, Akari, and Yui board a crowded train named "Ruby." Though they all have a destination to get off at Akasaka Station, they quickly realize that the train is packed with people, making it a challenging feat.Ja: ハルトがユイとアカリに指示を出します。「何があったとしても、私たちは一緒にいなければならない。」しかし、電車の混雑の中で彼らは分散し始め、次の駅が迫る中で彼らは互いを見失いそうになります。En: Haruto instructs Yui and Akari, "No matter what happens, we must stick together." However, amidst the crowded train, they start to drift apart, and as the next station approaches, they risk losing sight of each other.Ja: 田町駅に到着すると、予想通り、ハルトは見失ってしまいますが、アカリはユイと繋がっています。「アカリ、私たちが降りなければ、ハルトを見失うかもしれない。」ユイが言いました。En: Upon arriving at Tamachi Station, as expected, Haruto is lost, but Akari remains connected to Yui. "Akari, if we don't get off, we might lose Haruto," Yui says.Ja: しかし、アカリは彼女を引き留めます。「でも、私たちが降りたら、ハルトは1人になってしまう。」その瞬間、電車の扉が閉まります。ハルトは外に残され、アカリとユイは電車の中。3人の関係が分断される時が来ました。En: But Akari holds her back, "But if we get off, Haruto will be left alone." At that moment, the train doors close. Haruto is stranded outside, while Akari and Yui are inside the train. The moment of their bond being severed has arrived.Ja: 次の田町駅で電車から降りる困難さを知ったハルトは、次の電車に乗ろうと計画します。彼はアカリとユイにメッセージを送り、「次の駅で降りて、私を待って。」と書いた。En: Realizing the difficulty of getting off at the next Tamachi Station, Haruto plans to board the next train. He sends a message to Akari and Yui, writing, "Get off at the next station and wait for me."Ja: アカリとユイはそれが読めましたか？それは混雑でスマートフォンの画面を見るのが難しかったからです。しかし、ユイは奮闘し、成功します。「次の駅で降りる。」 それが彼のメッセージでした。En: Could Akari and Yui read it? It was challenging to see the smartphone screen in the crowds. However, Yui persists and succeeds. "Get off at the next station." That was his message.Ja: 電車は次の駅、三田駅に到着しました。アカリとユイは絶望的に人混みを突っ切って電車から降りました。彼女たちはプラットフォームで息を切らせながらハルトを待ちます。間もなく、ハルトが次の電車から降りてきます。En: The train arrives at the next station, Mita Station. Desperately, Akari and Yui push through the crowd to get off the train. Out of breath on the platform, they wait for Haruto. Soon enough, Haruto steps off the next train.Ja: 「何とかなったね。」ハルトは苦笑いをして言います。その瞬間、新たな電車が駅に到着し、彼らはその電車に乗ります。今度は少し空いていて、無事に赤坂駅に到着します。En: "We made it, huh?" Haruto says with a wry smile. At that moment, a new train arrives at the station, and they board it. This time, it's a bit less crowded, and they safely arrive at Akasaka Station.Ja: 緊張と喜びが混ざった笑顔で、3人は電車から降ります。「これからは、もっと計画的に行動しようね。」アカリは言いました。それは長い一日でしたが、3人は困難を乗り越えて結束を深め、目的の地に到着することができました。En: With smiles mixed with tension and joy, the three of them step off the train. "Let's be more strategic from now on," Akari says. It was a long day, but they overcame difficulties, strengthened their bond, and reached their destination.Ja: そうして彼らは学んだ。電車に乗るための計画は、一緒にいることの大切さと同じくらい重要であるということを。それは彼らの日常の一部であり、これからも一緒に多くの冒険を経験するでしょう。En: And so they learned. Planning for the train ride is just as important as sticking together. It's a part of their everyday life, and they will continue to experience many adventures together in the future. Vocabulary Words:train: 電車crowded: 混雑したstation: 駅lost: 迷子message: メッセージchallenging: 困難なdestination: 目的地together: 一緒にbonds: 絆arrive: 到着するboard: 乗るstranded: 取り残されたnext: 次のdifficulties: 困難smartphone: スマートフォンscreen: 画面wait: 待つsuccess: 成功platform: プラットフォームsteps off: 降りるsmile: 笑顔strategic: 戦略的overcome: 克服するstrengthened: 強化されたexperiences: 経験するplanning: 計画important: 重要なpart: 一部everyday: 日常adventures: 冒険

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: The Maze of Tokyo's Candy Store: A Tale of Friendship and Courage Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.org/the-maze-of-tokyos-candy-store-a-tale-of-friendship-and-courage Story Transcript:Ja: ある日、東京都心の賑やかな建物の一つにあるコンビニに、3人の子供たち、ハルト、ユイ、アキヒコが足を踏み入れた。En: One day, three children, Haruto, Yui, and Akihiko, stepped into a busy convenience store in one of the bustling buildings in the heart of Tokyo.Ja: 彼らは学校の帰り道に、ちょっと一息つこうと思い立ち、このコンビニを選んだのだ。En: On their way back from school, they decided to take a break and chose this convenience store.Ja: 学級の仲間であり、仲が良かったハルト、ユイ、アキヒコ。En: Haruto, Yui, and Akihiko were classmates with a good relationship.Ja: 引きつけられるようにコンビニに入った彼らだったが、ちょっとしたからかい合いになり、その結果、迷子になってしまった。En: Drawn as if by a magnet, they entered the convenience store, but a playful argument ensued, and as a result, they got lost.Ja: 壁と壁との間で自動ドアが無限に続くような錯覚に捉われ、出口が見えない彼らはパニックになっていた。En: Caught in an illusion where the automatic doors seemed to stretch infinitely between walls, the children panicked as they couldn't see the way out.Ja: ハルト、ユイ、アキヒコは何度も自動ドアにぶつかり、コンビニは悪夢の迷宮と化していた。En: Haruto, Yui, and Akihiko repeatedly bumped into the automatic doors, turning the convenience store into a nightmare maze.Ja: しかし、ハルトは冷静さを保とうと決心した。En: However, Haruto made a decision to stay calm.Ja: 彼はユイとアキヒコに手を差し伸べ、一緒に探しに行くことを提案した。En: He reached out to Yui and Akihiko, suggesting that they search together.Ja: 彼らはドアの向こうにある出口を探し始めた。En: They began to look for the exit beyond the doors.Ja: その一方で、ユイはスニッカーズのバーを発見し、彼らに勇気を与えました。En: Meanwhile, Yui discovered a Snickers bar, which gave them courage.Ja: 一方、アキヒコは自動ドアのセンサーを見つけ、それが道しるべとなりました。En: On the other hand, Akihiko found the sensor for the automatic doors, which served as a guide.Ja: 子供たちはドアの代わりに窓を見つけようと努め、遂には出口を見つけました。En: The children tried to find a window instead of a door, and finally found the way out.Ja: ハルトがドアのセンサーを見つけ、しゃがんでくぐることを思いつきました。En: Haruto found the sensor on the door and came up with the idea to crawl under it.Ja: それで3人は無事にコンビニから逃げ出すことができました。En: And so, the three of them were able to escape from the convenience store safely.Ja: それからというもの、彼らはコンビニで迷子になることなく、賢く行動できるようになりました。En: Since then, they learned to act wisely without getting lost in the convenience store.Ja: 自動ドアに何度もぶつかっていたこの経験は、3人が力を合わせて難問を解決する大冒険となりました。En: The experience of repeatedly bumping into the automatic doors turned into a great adventure where the three worked together to solve a difficult problem.Ja: これは、彼らがこれからどんな困難に直面しようとも、一緒ならば何でも乗り越えられるという豊かな経験を彼らに与えました。En: This experience gave them the rich understanding that they could overcome anything as long as they faced it together, no matter what difficulties they encountered in the future.Ja: それからというもの、ハルト、ユイ、アキヒコは、東京の賑やかな街角でつまずくことなく、自分たちの日々を楽しく過ごすことができるようになりました。En: After that, Haruto, Yui, and Akihiko were able to enjoy their days without getting lost at the bustling street corners of Tokyo.Ja: すると彼らが一緒に乗り越えたこのキャンディーコンビニの日々は、彼らの心に深く刻まれ、忘れることのない大切な思い出となりました。En: The days they overcame together at the candy store were deeply etched in their hearts, becoming cherished memories that they would never forget. Vocabulary Words:children: 子供たちHaruto: ハルトYui: ユイAkihiko: アキヒコconvenience store: コンビニTokyo: 東京school: 学校relationship: 仲magnet: 引きつけられるplayful: からかい合いlost: 迷子illusion: 錯覚automatic doors: 自動ドアpanic: パニックnightmare: 悪夢calm: 冷静search: 探しに行くexit: 出口courage: 勇気sensor: センサーwindow: 窓escape: 逃げ出すexperience: 経験overcome: 乗り越えるdifficulties: 困難bustling: 賑やかcandy store: キャンディーコンビニmemories: 思い出

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Lost in a Tokyo Convenience Store: The Power of Friendship and Unity Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.org/lost-in-a-tokyo-convenience-store-the-power-of-friendship-and-unity Story Transcript:Ja: 東京の近くの小さなコンビニで、ハルト、ユイ、アオイの三人の親友が話を交わしていました。コンビニの周りはネオンライトで照らし出され、騒がしい夜の都市の中で、小さな流れ星のように輝いていました。En: Near a small convenience store in Tokyo, three best friends, Haruto, Yui and Aoi were exchanging stories. The area around the convenience store was illuminated by neon lights, shining like small shooting stars in the bustling night city.Ja: 「ここから出口はどこだ？」ハルトが突然尋ねました。するとユイとアオイは、ふと気づき「たしかにここからどう出るの？」と頷きました。En: "Where is the exit from here?" Haruto suddenly asked. Yui and Aoi then realized, "Indeed, how do we get out of here?" and nodded in agreement.Ja: 通常、孤立したコンビニのレイアウトを理解するのは簡単なはずでした。しかし今、ハルト、ユイ、アオイは追い詰められた状況に身を置いていました。彼らの迷子の困難は、コンビニフリークの彼らのプライドに打撃を与えました。En: Normally, understanding the layout of an isolated convenience store should have been easy. However, at that moment, Haruto, Yui and Aoi found themselves in a perplexing situation. Their difficulty in finding the way out struck a blow to the pride of these convenience store enthusiasts.Ja: 一生懸命探す彼ら。しかし、出口は見つけられませんでした。ばらばらになり、自身の経路を探し始めました。スナックの棚、ペットボトルの冷蔵庫、漫画の書棚を間違いなく通過しました。しかし、出口は見つかりませんでした。En: They searched diligently, but the exit remained elusive. They split up, each trying to find their own path. They navigated confidently past the snack shelves, the fridge filled with bottled drinks, and the shelves of manga. Yet, the exit remained unfound.Ja: ハルトは気を失いそうになりました。「出口が見つからない...」と嘆きました。ユイとアオイも同様の感情を抱いていました。En: Haruto felt like he was about to lose consciousness. "I can't find the exit..." he lamented. Yui and Aoi shared the same feelings.Ja: そこで、アオイがみんなを集め、互いの手を取り「みんなで一緒に探そう！」と提案しました。En: That's when Aoi gathered everyone, holding their hands, and suggested, "Let's search together!"Ja: それは、彼らが困難を乗り越えるための、新たなエネルギーを彼らに与えました。三人は再び一緒になり、出口を探し始めました。En: This gave them a new energy to overcome the challenge. The three of them joined forces again and began searching for the exit.Ja: そして、ついに！彼らの努力が報われました。鮮やかに輝く「出口」のサインが見つかりました。ハルト、ユイ、アオイ全員が喜びに満ちて笑顔を浮かべました。En: And finally! Their efforts paid off. They found the brightly shining "exit" sign. Haruto, Yui and Aoi were all filled with joy and smiled.Ja: これは、友情と団結の力が全てに打ち勝つ物語でした。終わり良ければ全て良し、仲間とともにチャレンジすることで、難易度の高い問題でも解決できるという教訓を元に、結局は出口を見つけることができました。この冒険は、ハルト、ユイ、アオイの三人が源自した友情の価値を深く認識させました。それは、彼らの日常の一部となり、成長を促すきっかけとなりました。En: This was a story where the power of friendship and unity triumphed overall. It taught that with teamwork and companionship, even difficult problems could be solved. In the end, they were able to find the exit. This adventure deeply reinforced the value of the friendship that Haruto, Yui and Aoi shared. It became a part of their daily lives and served as a catalyst for personal growth. Vocabulary Words:story: 物語friends: 親友convenience store: コンビニexit: 出口Tokyo: 東京Haruto: ハルトYui: ユイAoi: アオイneon lights: ネオンライトshooting stars: 流れ星layout: レイアウトisolated: 孤立したdiligently: 一生懸命pride: プライドchallenge: チャレンジovercome: 乗り越えるunity: 団結triumph: 打ち勝つvalue: 価値companionship: 仲間意識difficult: 難しいtogether: 一緒にenergy: エネルギーadventure: 冒険reinforced: 認識させるcatalyst: きっかけpersonal growth: 成長

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Sushi Love: A Heartwarming Tokyo Tale Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.org/sushi-love-a-heartwarming-tokyo-tale Story Transcript:Ja: ハルトは周囲がうめき声を上げ、丼の中飛び出した寿司を目の当たりにすると、突如目を見開いた。彼と名乗った相手、ユイは向かい側のテーブルで、刻みワサビが付いていた寿司をうっかり箸で弾いてしまったのだ。その寿司が剣のように空中を切り裂き、東京のエキゾチックで賑やかな居酒屋「みちのく」の真ん中に位置する赤いひょうたんから流れる煙が撫でしまった。En: Hart suddenly opened his eyes as he heard the groans of the people around him and saw the sushi flying out of the bowl in front of him. The person who introduced herself as Yui accidentally flicked the sushi with wasabi on it with her chopsticks at the table across from him. The sushi sliced through the air like a sword, and smoke wafted from the red gourd placed in the middle of the lively and exotic Izakaya Michinoku in Tokyo.Ja: ハルトは目の前に現れた飛行の寿司に驚き、"おおっ"と声を上げてしまった。ユイは着物の袖で口を覆い、にっこりと彼に向かって微笑んだ。“ごめんなさい、ハルト。また箸が滑っちゃって。” と言いながら、ユイは小さく頭を下げて謝る。その一部始終を見ていた周囲の居酒屋の客や店員は、笑い声や声援を送っていた。En: Hart was surprised by the flying sushi that appeared before him and exclaimed, "Oh!" Yui covered her mouth with the sleeve of her kimono and smiled at him sweetly. "I'm sorry, Hart. My chopsticks slipped again," she said while bowing slightly in apology. The customers and staff at the Izakaya who witnessed the whole incident laughed and cheered.Ja: ハルトはユイの謝罪に振り向き、しょうがないと言う顔で微笑むと、自分からユイに寿司を手渡す。ユイは感謝の気持ちを込めて、ハルトの手から寿司を受け取ると、今度は落ち着いてそれを口へ運び、丁寧に噛んで味わう。En: Hart turned to Yui and smiled in resignation at her apology, then handed sushi to her from his own plate. With gratitude, Yui accepted the sushi from Hart's hand, calmly brought it to her mouth, and savored it carefully.Ja: そして、肩を寄せ合いながら、二人は笑顔で東京の夜を共有した。ユイが箸を使おうとして寿司を飛ばしてしまった騒ぎは、新たな思い出となって彼らの心に刻まれた。それはハルトとユイの心を繋げ、さらに絆を深め、ユイが押し花にしていた純真な気持ちを開花させたのだ。En: Shoulder to shoulder, the two shared the Tokyo night with smiles. The commotion caused by Yui flinging sushi with her chopsticks became a new memory etched in their hearts. It connected Hart and Yui's hearts, deepened their bond further, and allowed Yui's innocent feelings, which she had pressed as flowers, to bloom.Ja: その夜、東京のど真ん中で起きたちょっとした出来事が、ハルトとユイの間に生まれた新たな物語の始まりだった。そして彼らは、箸を使った奇妙な出来事を通じて、より深くお互いを理解することができたのだ。二人は笑ってその夜を終え、"箸のエピソード"は彼らの間の思い出となり、その思い出は永遠に彼らの心に残ることだろう。En: That night, a small incident in the heart of Tokyo marked the beginning of a new story between Hart and Yui. Through the strange event with the chopsticks, they were able to understand each other more deeply. They ended the night with laughter, and the "Chopstick Episode" became a memory between them, one that would remain in their hearts forever. Vocabulary Words:groans: うめき声sushi: 寿司flying: 飛行bowl: 丼wasabi: ワサビchopsticks: 箸table: テーブルsword: 剣smoke: 煙gourd: ひょうたんsweetly: にっこりapology: 謝罪smile: 微笑むlaughter: 笑い声customers: 客staff: 店員resignation: 微笑むgratitude: 感謝shoulder: 肩night: 夜commotion: 騒ぎmemory: 思い出hearts: 心bond: 絆innocent: 純真feelings: 気持ちflowers: 花incident: 出来事understand: 理解laughter: 笑い

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Etiquette and Friendship: A Lesson Learned in Shinjuku Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.org/etiquette-and-friendship-a-lesson-learned-in-shinjuku Story Transcript:Ja: ストーリーは東京、その名も新宿、その活気ある街の中心にある小さな静かな通りにある古風な家で始まります。太陽は夕焼けの輝きを軒先に注ぎ、ハルト、ユイ、ソラの3人の友人はこの伝統的な家の前に立っていました。En: The story begins in a quaint old house on a quiet street in the vibrant heart of Shinjuku, Tokyo. The sun was casting its golden glow over the eaves, as three friends - Haruto, Yui, and Sora - stood in front of this traditional dwelling.Ja: ハルトは頭を引っかき、その古い家の玄関までの道のりを見つめていました。「ここのシューズボックスはどこだろう？」と考えていた矢先、彼が気づいたのが靴を脱ぐことでした。En: Haruto scratched his head, gazing at the path leading to the old house's entrance. Just as he pondered where the shoe box might be, he realized it was customary to remove their shoes.Ja: しかし、その時既に遅く、ユイが一歩踏み入れてしまった。「ユイ、待って! 靴を...」とハルトが叫ぼうとした時、一部始終を見守っていたソラが「うわあ、これは大変だ」と溜息をついた。En: However, it was too late as Yui had already stepped inside. "Yui, wait! Your shoes..." Haruto tried to shout, but Sora, who had been watching the scene unfold, sighed, "Oh no, this is not good."Ja: ユイは急いで靴を脱いで、申し訳なさそうな顔をした。「気づいてなかったよ…ごめんね」彼女は緊張した表情でそう言った。このミスはハルトの気分を少し下げてしまったが、彼はすぐにそれを振り払って笑顔になった。「大丈夫、誰にだって間違いはあるよ」とハルトは励ました。En: Yui quickly took off her shoes, apologizing with a sheepish look. "I didn't notice... I'm sorry," she said nervously. Though this mistake dampened Haruto's mood slightly, he quickly shrugged it off and put on a smile. "It's okay, everyone makes mistakes," Haruto reassured her.Ja: 母親が彼らを玄関まで出迎えにきた時、彼女は「靴をつけて家に入るなんて、ちょっとびっくりしたわ」と言いながらも、ユイの謝罪を受け入れて笑った。ソラはくすくすと笑いながら、日本の伝統を尊敬し、靴を脱ぐ習慣を持つことの重要性をみんなに教えてくれた。En: When their mother came to greet them at the entrance, she chuckled, "I was a bit surprised seeing you entering with shoes on," but she accepted Yui's apology with a smile. Sora chuckled softly, teaching everyone the importance of respecting Japanese traditions and the custom of removing shoes.Ja: その後、すべてがうまくいき、彼らは伝統的な家で心地よい夜を過ごした。彼らは母親の美味しい料理を堪能し、ソラの話を聞きながら楽しく時間を過ごした。終わり良ければ全て良し、彼らの冒険は最高の思い出になったのでした。En: After that hiccup, everything went smoothly, and they enjoyed a pleasant evening in the traditional house. They savored their mother's delicious cooking and had a great time listening to Sora's stories. All's well that ends well, and their adventure became a treasured memory.Ja: その日、ハルト、ユイ、ソラは友情の重要性、誤りから学び成長すること、そして何よりも尊敬と礼節の大切さを再認識した。この物語は、彼らが東京の新宿、ある静かな通りに立つ古い家で学んだ教訓を、一生忘れないでしょう。En: On that day, Haruto, Yui, and Sora reaffirmed the importance of friendship, learning and growing from mistakes, and above all, the significance of respect and etiquette. This tale will be a lesson they will never forget, experienced in an old house on a quiet street in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Vocabulary Words:friendship: 友情mistakes: 間違いrespecting: 尊敬traditional: 伝統的なimportance: 重要性apologizing: 謝罪customary: 習慣custom: 習慣dampened: 下げるetiquette: 礼節shoe: 靴house: 家street: 通りsmile: 笑顔entrance: 玄関treasured: 大切なstory: 物語path: 道surprised: びっくりnervously: 緊張してwatching: 見守るadventure: 冒険cooking: 料理evening: 夜significance: 重要性quaint: 古風なsavored: 堪能するlesson: 教訓learned: 学んだmemory: 思い出

Rate the show 5 Stars! Leave a review to have it read on the next episode! Watching on Youtube? Leave a comment and click the thumbs up to like the video! Link to Episodes, Merch, FanFestLive shows, and Patreon Show Supporter subscription: https://linktr.ee/shadesofbluepodcast Men are on International break which means we give focus most of the episode of Man City Women. Reviewing the Manchester derby, Jess Park is a Star, gave Yui some flowers, questions for Gareth Taylor, and Linda Caicedo to MCWFC?? Finish the episode previewing Man City Men vs ArsenalTopics:Pizza talk: 0:00-1:30Man City US Summer Tour: 1:36-8:46Chicago event announcement: 17:51-20:04Baby Blue Baddies x Man City Women segment 23:03-81:40 Man City vs Arsenal preview & score predictions: 84:07-93:00

Tensions in the Taiwan Strait increased this week following incidents near an island involving the Chinese and Taiwanese coast guards. It's happening at a sensitive moment, in between Taiwan's recent election and the upcoming inauguration of its new president. Nick Schifrin speaks to Taiwan's new representative to the U.S., Alexander Tah-ray Yui, for his first broadcast interview. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Tensions in the Taiwan Strait increased this week following incidents near an island involving the Chinese and Taiwanese coast guards. It's happening at a sensitive moment, in between Taiwan's recent election and the upcoming inauguration of its new president. Nick Schifrin speaks to Taiwan's new representative to the U.S., Alexander Tah-ray Yui, for his first broadcast interview. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Part 3 of our Kyoto Vacation is‘Moe Money, Moe Problems: After School Tea-Time with the Girls of K-On!' And today, we're finishing our journey with Hokago Tea Time by following the girls to London for an overseas adventure in K-On! The Movie. Released in 2011 to more or less unprecedented success for this type of anime, the feature film continuation of the series is one of the franchise's finest hours, lushly animated, absolutely hilarious, and incredibly heartfelt, revisiting the events of the series finale to deepen the perspective of the original four club members – Yui, Ritsu, Mio, and Mugi-chan – on a bigger scale than we ever saw in the TV series. It's a fantastic movie, and a great way to close our After School Tea Time adventures.Enjoy, and come back on February 11th for the start of Part 4 of our Kyoto Vacation, with our review of the comedy classic Nichijou: My Ordinary Life! Time Chart:Theme Song: 0:00:00 – 0:01:30 Intro and History: 0:01:30 – 0:35:47Eyecatch Break: 0:35:47 – 0:36:22K-On! The Movie Review: 0:36:22 – 2:28:28End Theme: 2:28:28 – 2:29:29Support the show at Ko-fi ☕️ https://ko-fi.com/weeklystuffRead the book 200 Reviews by Jonathan R. Lack in Paperback or on Kindle – https://a.co/d/bLx53vKFollow The Weekly Stuff Wordcast newsletter for regular updates and extra content! https://www.jonathanlack.comSubscribe to The Weekly Stuff Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheWeeklyStuffPodcastVisit our website and subscribe to Japanimation Station on all podcast platforms: http://japanimationstation.com/Subscribe to The Weekly Stuff Podcast on all podcast platforms: http://www.weeklystuffpodcast.com“re:CAPTURE” and “Happily Ever After” – Original Music & Lyrics by Thomas Lack, featuring Hatsune Miku. https://www.thomaslack.com

Part 3 of our Kyoto Vacation is‘Moe Money, Moe Problems: After School Tea-Time with the Girls of K-On!' And today, we're discussing the 27-episode second season from 2010, which follows Yui, Ritsu, Mio, and Mugi-chan in their third and final year of high school, with second-year Azusa facing the prospect of being left behind after they all graduate. It's an incredible season of TV, filled not only with outstanding episodes, but telling a deeply-felt, beautifully observed story about the transitional moment that is graduation, and how people balance becoming adults while maintaining childhood friendships and passions. Enjoy, and come back next week as we say goodbye to the light music club with our review of the feature film, K-On! The Movie. Time Chart:Theme Song: 0:00:00 – 0:01:30 Intro and History: 0:01:30 – 0:57:38Eyecatch Break: 0:57:38 – 0:58:15K-On!! Review: 0:58:15 – 3:06:28End Theme: 3:06:28 – 3:07:30Support the show at Ko-fi ☕️ https://ko-fi.com/weeklystuffRead the book 200 Reviews by Jonathan R. Lack in Paperback or on Kindle – https://a.co/d/bLx53vKFollow The Weekly Stuff Wordcast newsletter for regular updates and extra content! https://www.jonathanlack.comSubscribe to The Weekly Stuff Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheWeeklyStuffPodcastVisit our website and subscribe to Japanimation Station on all podcast platforms: http://japanimationstation.com/Subscribe to The Weekly Stuff Podcast on all podcast platforms: http://www.weeklystuffpodcast.com“re:CAPTURE” and “Happily Ever After” – Original Music & Lyrics by Thomas Lack, featuring Hatsune Miku. https://www.thomaslack.com

Take this down, listeners - we're talking the second half of Clint Eastwood's 2006 WWII diptych, LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA, and we're joined by writer and filmmaker Comrade Yui! We're talking Ken Watanabe, connections to FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS, both films' perspectives on propaganda, and Jake and Yui pressure Ian to acknowledge Clint's GOAThood. Check it out! Topics include: THE BATTLE OF OKINAWA, much of the film's cast appearing in Takeshi Kitano's KUBI, Kiyoshi Kurosawa's take on the film, the bushido code, killing ourselves with grenades, elves, the occult, and more! Follow Comrade Yui: https://twitter.com/Comrade_Yui https://www.youtube.com/@comradeyui1498/   https://www.podcastyforme.com/ Follow Pod Casty For Me: https://twitter.com/podcastyforme https://www.instagram.com/podcastyforme/ https://www.youtube.com/@podcastyforme Artwork by Jeremy Allison: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyallisonart