Podcasts about Yuki

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Autumn Bonds: Family and Festivals in Yokohama's Suburbs Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-11-18-08-38-20-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 横浜の静かな郊外には、赤やオレンジの葉が美しく舞う秋が訪れた。En: In the quiet suburbs of Yokohama, autumn arrived with beautifully dancing red and orange leaves.Ja: 家の前の街路樹に吊るされた伝統的な提灯が、そよ風に揺れている。En: Traditional lanterns hung on the street trees in front of the houses swayed in the gentle breeze.Ja: この季節、近所では冬の祭りが計画されている。En: In this season, the neighborhood was planning a winter festival.Ja: 祭りの準備に追われる中、はるかさんは家族のことも考えなければならない立場にあった。En: Amid the hectic preparations for the festival, Haruka found herself in a position where she also had to think about her family.Ja: はるかさんは、この祭りの委員会の委員長を務めていた。En: Haruka served as the chairperson of the festival committee.Ja: 彼女は熱心で、誰よりもこのイベントを成功させたかった。En: She was enthusiastic and wanted this event to be a success more than anyone else.Ja: しかし、七五三の準備もあって、心の中には大きなプレッシャーがのしかかっていた。En: However, with preparations for Shichi-Go-San, a significant pressure weighed on her heart.Ja: その一方で、さとしさんは仕事で忙しく、夜遅くまで会社にいることが多くなっていた。En: Meanwhile, Satoshi was busy with work, often staying late at the office.Ja: 彼もまた、家族のために時間を取りたいと願っていたが、なかなか実現できないでいた。En: He too wished to find time for his family but found it hard to realize this desire.Ja: そして、元気で活発な七歳の娘、ゆきちゃん。En: Then there was their lively and energetic seven-year-old daughter, Yuki-chan.Ja: 彼女の七五三の到来に胸を膨らませていた。En: She was filled with excitement for her upcoming Shichi-Go-San.Ja: 可愛い着物を着て、神社でお祓いを受けるのを心待ちにしている。En: She eagerly looked forward to wearing a cute kimono and receiving the blessing at the shrine.Ja: しかし、最近、両親が忙しいせいで少し寂しい思いをしていた。En: However, lately, she felt a bit lonely because her parents were busy.Ja: ある日曜日の朝、はるかさんはリビングで祭りの会議資料を広げて座っていた。En: One Sunday morning, Haruka sat in the living room with festival meeting materials spread out before her.Ja: さとしさんは目の下に少しクマができるほど、仕事で疲れていたが、今日は家にいる日だった。En: Satoshi was tired from work, with slight shadows under his eyes, but today, he was at home.Ja: 「おはよう、はるか。今日は手伝えることある？」と優しく声をかけた。En: "Good morning, Haruka. Is there anything I can help with today?" he gently asked.Ja: しかし、はるかさんの顔には緊張が浮かんでいた。En: However, tension was visible on Haruka's face.Ja: 「この資料、どうしよう…まだ終わらなくて…」彼女はため息をつく。En: "What should I do with these materials... I'm not done yet..." she sighed.Ja: ゆきちゃんは、自分の大切な日が近づいているというのに、なかなか話題に上らないことに不満げだった。「お母さん、私のお祝いもちゃんとやるよね？」と、少し不安げに問いかけた。En: Yuki-chan, feeling upset that no one brought up her special day despite it approaching, asked a bit anxiously, "Mom, you'll properly celebrate my event, right?"Ja: その瞬間、はるかさんは大切なことに気づいた。En: At that moment, Haruka realized something important.Ja: 「ごめんね、家族が一番大事よね。」彼女は、ふっと微笑んでゆきちゃんの髪を撫でた。En: "I'm sorry; family is the most important, right?" She smiled softly and stroked Yuki-chan's hair.Ja: 大会前日、町内会の友人たちが手伝いに訪れた。En: The day before the event, friends from the neighborhood association came to help.Ja: 「大変でしょう、はるかさん。任せて」と、彼らは温かく協力を申し出た。En: "It's tough, isn't it, Haruka-san? Leave it to us," they warmly offered their cooperation.Ja: 祭りの朝、最後の準備が整っていなかったが、すべての人が協力して動き出した。En: On the morning of the festival, the final preparations weren't complete, but everyone began to work together.Ja: はるかさんは感謝の気持ちで胸がいっぱいだった。En: Haruka was filled with gratitude.Ja: その一方、さとしさんも会社に休みを申し出、「今日は大事な日だから、ゆきのそばにいるよ」と心から言った。En: Meanwhile, Satoshi also requested leave from his company, sincerely saying, "Today's an important day, so I'll be by Yuki's side."Ja: その言葉に、はるかさんは安心した。En: Those words reassured Haruka.Ja: 祭りが始まり、みんなの力でスムーズに進んだ。En: The festival began and proceeded smoothly thanks to everyone's efforts.Ja: 夕方、七五三の神社での式典には、両親だけでなく、近所のみんなが集まった。En: In the evening, not only the parents but also the whole neighborhood gathered for the Shichi-Go-San ceremony at the shrine.Ja: ゆきちゃんはにっこり笑って、嬉しそうにお祓いを受けた。En: Yuki-chan smiled brightly and happily received the blessing.Ja: はるかさんは、隣に立つさとしさんに微笑んだ。En: Haruka smiled at Satoshi who stood next to her.Ja: 「みんなのおかげで、この日が最高になったわね。」En: "Thanks to everyone, this day turned out to be the best."Ja: 祭りが終わり、夜空にはたくさんの星が輝いていた。En: As the festival ended, the night sky was filled with countless stars.Ja: はるかさんは、これからはもっと人に頼ること、そして家族の大切さを忘れず、毎日を過ごすことを心に誓った。En: Haruka vowed in her heart to rely more on others and never forget the importance of family as she went about her daily life.Ja: さとしさんもまた、新しい一歩を家族と共に歩む決心をしたのだった。En: Satoshi, too, decided to take new steps forward together with his family.Ja: 成功した祭りと家族の絆の再確認、そんな心温まる秋の一日が終わった。En: The festival's success and the reaffirmation of family bonds marked the end of such a heartwarming autumn day. Vocabulary Words:suburbs: 郊外autumn: 秋lanterns: 提灯breeze: そよ風festival: 祭りhectic: 追われるenthusiastic: 熱心significant: 大きなpressure: プレッシャーsincere: 心からblessing: お祓いpreparations: 準備shrine: 神社reassured: 安心したgratitude: 感謝cooperation: 協力energetic: 活発vow: 誓ったreaffirmation: 再確認heartwarming: 心温まるcommittee: 委員会success: 成功realize: 気づいたupset: 不満げneighborhood: 近所tradition: 伝統的なanticipation: 心待ちにmaterial: 資料lively: 元気rely: 頼る

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Market Stroll: Rediscovering Traditions and Friendship Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-11-18-23-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 秋の晴れた朝、賑やかな郊外の市場の中で、葉が色づいたイチョウの木がそよ風に揺れている。En: On a clear autumn morning, amidst the lively suburban ichiba, gingko leaves, colored by the season, swayed in the breeze.Ja: 市場は、色とりどりの野菜や果物であふれていた。En: The market was overflowing with a variety of colorful vegetables and fruits.Ja: そこに、ゆっきりと歩いているユキとハルトの姿があった。En: There, slowly walking were Yuki and Harto.Ja: ユキは、七五三のお祝いのために料理の材料を探していた。En: Yuki was searching for ingredients to cook for the Shichi-Go-San celebration.Ja: しかし、彼女は少し不安を感じていた。En: However, she felt a bit anxious.Ja: 家族をもてなす準備はいつも楽しみだが、今回は特に気を遣っていた。En: While preparing to entertain her family was always enjoyable, this time she was being particularly meticulous.Ja: 彼女の子供のために、この日の思い出を特別にしたかった。En: She wanted to make this day especially memorable for her child.Ja: 「今日、全て揃うといいね。」ハルトが優しく言った。En: "I hope we can get everything we need today," Harto gently said.Ja: 彼は昔からの友達で、ユキの手伝いを申し出た。En: He was an old friend and had offered to help Yuki.Ja: 実は、ハルト自身も最近、家族の伝統から離れているように感じていた。彼はそんな自分に少し悩んでいた。En: In fact, Harto himself had recently been feeling distant from his family traditions, which troubled him slightly.Ja: 「一つの材料が見つからないんだ。」ユキはため息をついた。En: "I'm missing one ingredient," Yuki sighed.Ja: 「何を探しているの？」とハルトが尋ねた。En: "What are you looking for?" Harto asked.Ja: ユキは答えた。「特別な調味料なの。En: Yuki replied, "It's a special seasoning.Ja: 絶対に必要だから、どうしても見つけたい。」En: It's absolutely necessary, so I really want to find it."Ja: ユキは普段、自分で何でも解決するタイプだったが、今回は市場の店主に助けを求めることにした。En: Yuki, who usually resolved things on her own, decided to ask the market vendors for help this time.Ja: 勇気を出して、いくつかの店を訪ねてみた。En: Gathering her courage, she visited a few stalls.Ja: ハルトはその間に、思い切って自分の気持ちをユキに話した。En: Meanwhile, Harto took a leap of faith and shared his feelings with Yuki.Ja: 「最近、伝統から離れている気がして怖いんだ。」En: "Recently, I've been scared that I'm drifting away from tradition."Ja: 彼が言うと、ユキは驚いたが微笑んだ。En: When he said this, Yuki was surprised but smiled.Ja: 「それなら、私たち一緒に伝統を再開しよう。」ユキの言葉にハルトの心は少し軽くなった。En: "Then, let's restart our traditions together," Yuki suggested, lightening Harto's heart a little.Ja: その後、二人は共に市場を歩き、やっと求めていた調味料を見つけた。En: Afterward, the two continued walking through the market and finally found the seasoning they were seeking.Ja: 店主の温かいアドバイスもあり、ユキは安心して家路についた。En: With the store owner's warm advice, Yuki felt relieved as she headed home.Ja: 市場を出るとき、ユキとハルトはお互いの道を選び、伝統への思いを再確認した。En: As they left the market, Yuki and Harto reaffirmed their commitment to their chosen paths and their respect for tradition.Ja: ユキは友人や地域の助けを受け入れることの大切さを学び、ハルトは自分の生活に文化を取り戻す決意を新たにした。En: Yuki learned the importance of accepting help from friends and the community, while Harto renewed his resolve to bring culture back into his life.Ja: イチョウの葉が舞う帰り道、ユキとハルトは心温まる思い出を胸に刻んだ。En: On the way home with gingko leaves dancing in the air, Yuki and Harto carved these heartwarming memories into their hearts.Ja: そして、それは確かに、特別な七五三の始まりとなった。En: And indeed, it marked the beginning of a very special Shichi-Go-San. Vocabulary Words:autumn: 秋suburban: 郊外のgingko: イチョウswayed: 揺れているoverflowing: あふれていたcelebration: お祝いanxious: 不安meticulous: 気を遣っていたmemorable: 特別にしたかったseasoning: 調味料necessary: 必要vendors: 店主courage: 勇気resolve: 決意drifting: 離れているtradition: 伝統commitment: 決意respect: 思いreaffirmed: 再確認したentertain: もてなすrenewed: 新たにしたrelearn: 再開しようadvice: アドバイスheartwarming: 心温まるmarket: 市場special: 特別なdrifted: 離れているcommunity: 地域chosen: 選びstall: 店

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Balancing Books and Bliss: Haruto's Autumn Awakening Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-11-17-08-38-20-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 秋の風が冷たく、赤やオレンジ、黄色に色づいた落ち葉がカーペットのように地面を覆っている。En: The autumn wind was chilly, and the fallen leaves, colored in red, orange, and yellow, covered the ground like a carpet.Ja: そんな大学の寮は、勤労感謝の日の連休を前に学生たちで賑わっていた。En: The university dormitory was bustling with students getting ready for the Kinrō Kansha no Hi holiday.Ja: 晴人は机に向かい、頑張って勉強していた。En: Haruto was sitting at his desk, working hard on his studies.Ja: 彼は大学の講義とアルバイトに一生懸命で、気を抜く暇がなかった。En: He was devoted to both his university lectures and part-time job, with no time to relax.Ja: でも、心のどこかで、彼は何かを逃していると感じていた。En: Yet, somewhere in his heart, he felt like he was missing out on something.Ja: その時、彼の部屋のドアが元気よく開かれた。En: Just then, the door to his room swung open energetically.Ja: 「晴人！紅葉を見に行こうよ！」と元気いっぱいの由紀が言った。En: "Haruto! Let's go see the momiji!" exclaimed Yuki cheerfully.Ja: 彼女の声には冒険心が溢れていた。En: Her voice was full of adventure.Ja: 「そうそう、連休だし、一緒に自然を楽しもう！」En: "You know, it's the holiday, so let's enjoy nature together!"Ja: 晴人は一瞬戸惑った。En: Haruto was momentarily confused.Ja: 試験もあるし、仕事のシフトも入っている。En: He had exams coming up, and his work shifts were lined up.Ja: 「でも…、僕は忙しいんだ」と彼は答える。En: "But... I'm busy," he replied.Ja: そこへ、静かに青井が加わった。En: At that moment, Aoi quietly joined in.Ja: 「休むことも大事だよ、晴人。自然を感じるのは心にいいんだ」と、彼女は穏やかに話す。En: "Resting is important too, Haruto. Experiencing nature is good for the soul," she spoke gently.Ja: 青井の言葉にはいつも説得力があった。En: Aoi's words always carried persuasion.Ja: 晴人は深く考える。En: Haruto thought deeply.Ja: どうしたらいいのか。En: What should he do?Ja: 仕事や勉強を優先すべきか。En: Should he prioritize work and study?Ja: 彼はそう迷っていると、青井が以前撮った紅葉の写真を見せてくれた。En: While he was wavering, Aoi showed him some photos of the momiji she had taken before.Ja: その写真はあまりにも美しく、晴人の心に強く響いた。En: The photographs were so stunning that they struck a chord in Haruto's heart.Ja: 「こんな景色をリアルで見たら、どんなに素敵なんだろう」と彼は思った。En: "How wonderful it would be to see such scenery in real life," he thought.Ja: そして、晴人は意を決した。En: Then, Haruto made up his mind.Ja: 「よし、行こう！けど、その代わりにスケジュールを少し調整しなきゃ」En: "Alright, let's go! But in exchange, I'll need to adjust my schedule a bit."Ja: 由紀は喜んで跳び上がり、青井はにっこりと微笑んだ。En: Yuki joyfully jumped up, and Aoi smiled softly.Ja: こうして晴人は、勉強も仕事も友達との時間も大切にする方法を見つけた。En: In this way, Haruto found a way to prioritize his studies, work, and time with friends.Ja: 秋の日差しの中、三人は紅葉を楽しむために出かけた。En: Under the autumn sun, the three of them set out to enjoy the momiji.Ja: 色とりどりの景色を見ながら、晴人は、バランスを保つことの大切さを改めて感じた。En: As Haruto admired the vibrant scenery, he once again realized the importance of maintaining balance.Ja: そして、心から笑った。En: And he laughed from the heart.Ja: その日以来、晴人は学びと楽しさの両立をもっと大事にすることにした。En: From that day onward, Haruto decided to value both learning and enjoyment more.Ja: 個人的な経験も、同じくらい重要だと心から理解したのだった。En: He fully understood that personal experiences were just as important. Vocabulary Words:chilly: 冷たいcarpet: カーペットdormitory: 寮bustling: 賑わっていたdevoted: 一生懸命lectures: 講義persuasion: 説得力stunning: 美しくscenery: 景色vibrant: 色とりどりbalance: バランスvalue: 大事にするexperiences: 経験holiday: 連休relax: 気を抜くexclaimed: 言ったadventure: 冒険心confused: 戸惑ったwaver: 迷っているphotos: 写真realize: 改めて感じたprioritize: 優先すべきschedule: スケジュールadjust: 調整mind: 意を決したunderstood: 理解したpersonal: 個人的ground: 地面missing out: 逃しているjoined: 加わった

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Finding Creativity in the Heart of Tokyo Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-11-16-08-38-20-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 東京の渋谷交差点は、まるで生きている作品のようだった。En: The Shibuya crossing in Tokyo appeared as if it were a living work of art.Ja: 秋の鮮やかな葉が風に舞い、全てがざわめいていた。En: The vibrant autumn leaves danced in the wind, and everything was astir.Ja: そんな中、雪は人混みの中を歩いていた。En: In the midst of it all, Yuki was walking through the crowd.Ja: 雪は建築学生で、ミニマルなデザインが大好きだった。En: Yuki was an architecture student who loved minimalistic design.Ja: だが、彼女はいつも自分の創造的な一面を隠してしまうことが多かった。現実的な道を選ばなければならないというプレッシャーを感じていたからだ。En: However, she often hid her creative side because she felt the pressure to choose a practical path.Ja: 今日は、雪のあこがれの教授のためにプレゼントを選ぶ日だった。En: Today was the day she would choose a gift for her admired professor.Ja: 教授は、彼女のユニークな建築のビジョンを支えてくれた唯一の人だった。En: The professor was the only person who supported her unique vision in architecture.Ja: 雪は感謝の気持ちを込めた、特別な贈り物を見つけたかった。En: Yuki wanted to find a special gift that conveyed her gratitude.Ja: でも、渋谷の交差点は選択肢に溢れていた。En: But the Shibuya crossing was overflowing with options.Ja: たくさんの店、たくさんの人々、たくさんの色。En: So many stores, so many people, so many colors.Ja: 雪は何を選ぶべきかわからなくなった。実用的なものが良いのか、もっと自分らしいものを選んでもいいのか。En: Yuki was unsure of what to choose—something practical or something more true to herself.Ja: ハルトとサクラと一緒に歩いていると、ふとあるショップの中で彼女の目を引くものがあった。En: As she walked with Haruto and Sakura, something in a shop suddenly caught her eye.Ja: それは、有名な建築物の手作りの精巧な模型だった。En: It was a handmade, intricately detailed model of a famous building.Ja: 模型は細部まで作り込まれていて、雪の想像力を刺激した。En: The model was crafted with such detail that it sparked Yuki's imagination.Ja: 「これだ」と雪は思った。En: “This is it,” thought Yuki.Ja: 彼女はその模型を見つめ、決心した。En: She decided, staring at the model.Ja: 実用的なものよりも、心を込めた特別な贈り物にしようと。En: Instead of something practical, she would make it a special gift filled with heart.Ja: 「これを買うよ」と、雪は友人たちに言った。En: “I'm going to buy this,” Yuki told her friends.Ja: 「教授はきっとこの創造性を評価してくれると思う。」En: “I think the professor will surely appreciate this creativity.”Ja: 雪は会計を済ませ、帰り道で胸がいっぱいになった。En: Yuki finished the purchase and, filled with emotion, headed home.Ja: 今まで自分の個性を出すことに躊躇していたけれど、この贈り物を通して少し自信がついた気がした。En: She had always hesitated to show her personality, but through this gift, she felt she gained some confidence.Ja: 彼女は自分の創造性を大切にし、それを表現することの大切さを知った。En: She realized the importance of valuing and expressing her creativity.Ja: 秋の名残の風が通り抜ける中、雪は笑顔で交差点を後にした。En: As the last remnants of autumn's wind blew through, Yuki left the crossing with a smile.Ja: 東京の街は変わらずにぎやかだったが、雪の心は少しだけ変わっていた。En: Though Tokyo remained bustling, Yuki's heart had changed just a little.Ja: 彼女はこれからの冬、もっと自分らしい道を歩んで行くだろう。En: From this winter on, she would walk a path that was more true to herself. Vocabulary Words:crossing: 交差点vibrant: 鮮やかなastir: ざわめいていたarchitecture: 建築minimalistic: ミニマルcreative: 創造的なpressure: プレッシャーadmired: あこがれのprofessor: 教授unique: ユニークなvision: ビジョンgratitude: 感謝の気持ちoverflowing: 溢れていたpractical: 実用的intricately: 精巧なdetailed: 細部crafted: 作り込まれていてimagination: 想像力hesitated: 躊躇していたpersonality: 個性confidence: 自信expressing: 表現するremnants: 名残bustling: にぎやかsparked: 刺激したpurchase: 会計emotion: 胸がいっぱいvaluing: 大切にしconveyed: 込めたmodel: 模型

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: A Heartfelt Gift: Haruto's Journey in Tokyo's Shotengai Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-11-16-23-34-01-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 東京の賑やかな商店街に、秋の涼しい風がそよぐ。En: In the bustling shotengai of Tokyo, a cool autumn breeze gently blows.Ja: 色とりどりの旗が揺れ、家族の楽しそうな声が響き渡る。En: Colorful flags flutter, and the cheerful voices of families resonate.Ja: そんな中、高校生の春斗（はると）は、いとこの桜（さくら）への贈り物を探していた。En: Amidst this, high school student Haruto was searching for a gift for his cousin Sakura.Ja: 「七五三のお祝いに、何か特別なものを見つけたいな」と、春斗は心の中で呟く。En: “I want to find something special for the Shichi-Go-San celebration,” Haruto murmured to himself.Ja: 桜の元気な笑顔が浮かぶ。En: He envisioned Sakura's energetic smile.Ja: 彼女は七歳になり、今年は素晴らしい祝いの日だ。En: She was turning seven, and this year was a remarkable celebration for her.Ja: 春斗は、一緒に来た友達の雪（ゆき）にぽつりと話す。「どんな贈り物がいいんだろう。En: Haruto casually mentioned to his friend Yuki, who had come along, “What kind of gift would be good?Ja: あまりお金がないけど、心に残る物をあげたいな。」En: I don't have much money, but I want to give something memorable.”Ja: 雪はカメラを手に、賑やかな街の写真を撮りながら答える。「大事なのは心だよ。En: With a camera in hand, capturing photos of the lively street, Yuki replied, “What matters is the thought behind it.Ja: 値段じゃなくて、桜ちゃんが喜ぶものを考えよう。」En: Let's think of something that will make Sakura happy, not the price.”Ja: 商店街には、人がたくさんいて、あちこちからいい匂いが漂ってくる。焼きとうもろこしや、たいやき、そして甘いりんご飴。En: The shotengai was crowded with people, and enticing aromas wafted from all around—grilled corn, taiyaki, and sweet candied apples.Ja: しかし、春斗はもっと特別なものを探したい。En: However, Haruto wanted to find something even more special.Ja: 夕方が近づき、店が閉まり始める中、ふとひとつの店のショーケースに目が留まる。En: As evening approached and stores began to close, he suddenly noticed a display case in one of the shops.Ja: そこには、小さくて美しいネックレスがあった。En: Inside was a small, beautiful necklace.Ja: 葉の形をしたシンプルなデザインに、桜の元気で自然な性格がぴったりだと感じた。En: Its simple leaf-shaped design perfectly suited Sakura's lively and natural personality.Ja: 選択の時が来た。En: It was decision time.Ja: 「これ、桜にぴったりだ。」春斗は自分に言い聞かせる。En: “This is perfect for Sakura,” Haruto reassured himself.Ja: 少し高価だが、それ以上の価値を感じる。En: It was a bit pricey, but he felt it was worth more than its cost.Ja: そして、勇気を出して店に入り、ネックレスを購入した。En: Gathering his courage, he entered the store and purchased the necklace.Ja: そしてついに、七五三の日。En: Finally came the day of the Shichi-Go-San.Ja: 晴れた秋空の下、桜は着物姿で輝いていた。En: Under the clear autumn sky, Sakura shone in her kimono.Ja: 春斗はネックレスを彼女に手渡した。En: Haruto handed her the necklace.Ja: 「おめでとう、桜ちゃん。これ、君にぴったりだと思ったんだ。」En: “Congratulations, Sakura! I thought this would be perfect for you.”Ja: 桜の目が輝き、満面の笑みがこぼれる。En: Sakura's eyes sparkled, and a broad smile spread across her face.Ja: 「ありがとう、はるとお兄ちゃん！これ、大好き！」En: “Thank you, Haruto onii-chan! I love it!”Ja: その瞬間、春斗は思った。贈り物の値段よりも、心を込めた選択が大切なのだと。En: In that moment, Haruto realized that it was more important to make a heartfelt choice than to consider the price of the gift.Ja: 彼は、特別な思い出と共に、桜の喜ぶ姿を胸に刻んだ。En: He etched Sakura's joyful expression, along with the special memory, in his heart.Ja: 商店街の賑やかさが、秋の豊かな空気と共に優しく二人を包んだ。En: The liveliness of the shotengai, together with the rich autumn air, gently embraced the two of them. Vocabulary Words:bustling: 賑やかなbreeze: 風gently: 優しくflutter: 揺れresonate: 響き渡るmurmured: 呟くenvisioned: 浮かぶenergetic: 元気なcasually: ぽつりとmemorable: 心に残るcapture: 撮るenticing: いい匂いaromas: 香りwafted: 漂うremarkable: 素晴らしいlively: 賑やかなnaturally: 自然なdisplay: ショーケースdesign: デザインsuited: 合うdecision: 選択pricey: 高価courage: 勇気purchased: 購入したcelebration: 祝いsparkled: 輝きbroad: 満面のexpression: 表情heartfelt: 心を込めたetched: 刻む

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Friendship and Heritage: An Autumn Journey in Kyoto Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-11-15-08-38-20-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 秋の京都、清水寺。En: Autumn in Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera.Ja: 赤や黄色の葉が境内を彩り、古い木造の建物がその上に優雅に立っている。En: The temple grounds are adorned with red and yellow leaves, and the old wooden buildings stand gracefully above them.Ja: 生徒たちのおしゃべりが空気を満たし、子供たちが無邪気に走り回っていた。En: The chatter of students fills the air, and children are running around innocently.Ja: その中に、静かな高校生、健太がいた。En: Among them was a quiet high school student, Kenta.Ja: 彼は歴史が好きで、特に自分の祖先の文化に興味を持っていた。En: He liked history and was particularly interested in the culture of his ancestors.Ja: 今日の目的地、清水寺で何かを感じたいと強く思っていた。En: At today's destination, Kiyomizu-dera, he strongly wished to feel something special.Ja: 健太の横には、友達のユキとアイコがいた。En: Beside Kenta were his friends, Yuki and Aiko.Ja: ユキは元気で冒険好き。En: Yuki is energetic and loves adventure.Ja: アイコはみんなをよく見て、時には仲裁役になる優しい子だった。En: Aiko often watches over everyone and is a kind person who sometimes plays the peacemaker.Ja: 「ねえ、あそこ見て！」ユキが叫んだ。En: "Hey, look over there!" Yuki shouted.Ja: 「すごく高い！あのバルコニーからの景色、きっと最高だよ。」En: "It's so high! The view from that balcony must be amazing."Ja: 健太は周りの賑やかさに少し疲れていた。En: Kenta was a bit tired from the bustle around him.Ja: 生徒たちの笑い声や足音が絶えなく、特別な静寂の時を探していた。En: The constant laughter and footsteps of the students were overwhelming, and he was seeking a moment of special silence.Ja: 彼はおそるおそる、グループから少し離れることにした。En: He cautiously decided to distance himself a little from the group.Ja: 「ちょっと、あっちの方を見てくるよ。」と声をかけて、彼は古い木製のバルコニーを目指す。En: "I'm going to check out that area over there," he said, heading towards the old wooden balcony.Ja: 静かな場所にたどり着いた健太。En: Kenta found himself in a quiet place.Ja: 紅葉が目の前に広がり、風が優雅に葉を揺らしている。En: The autumn leaves spread out before him, and the wind gently ruffled them.Ja: 彼はそこで深呼吸をし、心を落ち着ける。En: He took a deep breath there, calming his mind.Ja: 自分の家族の過去がここに繋がっているような気がした。En: He felt a sense of connection to his family's past in this place.Ja: その時、後ろから小さな足音が近づく。En: Just then, small footsteps approached from behind.Ja: 「ここにいたんだ。」ユキが笑顔で言った。En: "There you are," Yuki said with a smile.Ja: アイコも隣で微笑んでいた。En: Aiko was also smiling beside him.Ja: 「一人でいると思ったけど、やっぱり一緒がいいね。」En: "I thought you might be alone, but it's better together, isn't it?"Ja: ユキとアイコは何も言わず、健太の隣に座った。En: Without saying anything more, Yuki and Aiko sat next to Kenta.Ja: 言葉は必要なかった。En: Words were unnecessary.Ja: 静かな時間が流れ、三人は紅葉の美しさを共に感じた。En: A tranquil moment flowed by, and the three of them shared the beauty of the autumn leaves.Ja: 健太は思った。En: Kenta thought to himself.Ja: 過去に触れること、それは一人でやるものではないかもしれない。En: Connecting with the past might not be something to do alone.Ja: 友達と一緒にいることで、もっと豊かな経験になるのだと。En: Being with friends could turn it into a richer experience.Ja: 秋の風が優しく三人を包み込み、彼らの心を温かくした。En: The gentle autumn wind enveloped the three of them, warming their hearts.Ja: 健太はこれまで以上に、友達の大事さを感じた一日だった。En: It was a day when Kenta felt the importance of friends more than ever.Ja: 学校の行事も、友達がいれば特別になるのだ。En: School events become special when you have friends by your side. Vocabulary Words:adorned: 彩りchatter: おしゃべりinnocently: 無邪気にancestors: 祖先destination: 目的地gracefully: 優雅にtranquil: 静かなbalcony: バルコニーconstant: 絶えなくoverwhelming: 賑やかさcautiously: おそるおそるruffled: 揺らしているcalming: 心を落ち着けるconnection: 繋がっているsmile: 笑顔unnecessary: 必要なかったfootsteps: 足音rich: 豊かなenveloped: 包み込みimportance: 大事さfilled: 満たしshared: 共にenergy: 元気watch over: よく見てadventure: 冒険peacemaker: 仲裁役particularly: 特にseek: 探していたthough: 思ったhigh school: 高校生

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Crafting Bonds: Discovering Ainu Culture through Artistry Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-11-13-23-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 秋の美しい日でした。En: It was a beautiful autumn day.Ja: 北海道のアイヌ村は、色とりどりの葉で飾られていました。En: The Ainu village in Hokkaido was adorned with leaves of various colors.Ja: アキラは初めて村を訪れました。En: Akira visited the village for the first time.Ja: アキラは若い女性で、アイヌ文化にとても興味がありました。En: Akira is a young woman who was very interested in Ainu culture.Ja: 彼女は妹のためにシチゴサンの特別な贈り物を探していました。En: She was looking for a special gift for Shichigosan for her younger sister.Ja: アキラには案内人がいました。En: Akira had a guide.Ja: 彼女の名前はユキです。En: Her name was Yuki.Ja: ユキは誇りを持って村とその伝統を紹介しました。En: Yuki proudly introduced the village and its traditions.Ja: 「ここの市場はとても特別です」とユキは言いました。En: "The market here is very special," Yuki said.Ja: 「多くの地元の職人がここで作品を売っています。En: "Many local artisans sell their works here."Ja: 」市場には多くの店があり、それぞれに色鮮やかな手工芸品が飾られていました。En: The market had many shops, each adorned with vividly colored handicrafts.Ja: 木製の建物からは美味しそうな食べ物の香りが漂っていました。En: From the wooden buildings, the aroma of delicious food wafted through the air.Ja: アキラは歩き回りながら、どれもとても興味深そうに見ました。En: Akira walked around, and everything looked very intriguing to her.Ja: その中で、アキラはハルトの店に立ち寄りました。En: Among them, Akira stopped by Harto's shop.Ja: ハルトは控えめな職人でしたが、とても美しい作品を作っていました。En: Harto was a modest artisan, but he made very beautiful works.Ja: しかしハルトは自分の作品の話をするのが少し苦手でした。En: However, Harto was a bit shy when it came to talking about his creations.Ja: アキラは店に近づき、「このペンダントはとても素敵ですね」とハルトに言いました。En: Akira approached the shop and said to Harto, "This pendant is very lovely."Ja: ハルトは少し驚いていましたが、アキラの笑顔を見て話し始めました。En: Harto was a bit surprised but began to speak after seeing Akira's smile.Ja: 「これは子供を守るためのペンダントです。En: "This is a pendant to protect children.Ja: 古くからの物語があります。En: There is an old story behind it."Ja: 」アキラは興味津々で、「その話を教えてください」と頼みました。En: Akira, full of curiosity, asked, "Please tell me that story."Ja: ハルトは少し照れながらも、ペンダントの物語を話し始めました。En: Harto, though slightly embarrassed, began to share the story of the pendant.Ja: それは子供を守るための象徴で、愛と勇気の意味も持っていると言いました。En: He said it was a symbol for protecting children and also held meanings of love and courage.Ja: アキラはその物語に心を打たれました。En: Akira was deeply moved by the story.Ja: 「これを妹に贈ります」と言いました。En: "I will give this to my sister," she said.Ja: 「彼女を守る意味があるなんて素晴らしいです。En: "It's wonderful that it has the meaning of protection for her."Ja: 」ハルトは微笑みました。En: Harto smiled.Ja: 彼は、自分の作品を通じて人々に喜びを与えることに、少し自信を持ち始めました。En: He started to gain a bit of confidence in giving joy to people through his works.Ja: アキラはペンダントを購入し、市場を後にしました。En: Akira purchased the pendant and left the market.Ja: その日、彼女はアイヌ文化への深い感謝を抱きながら帰りました。En: That day, she returned home with a deep appreciation for Ainu culture.Ja: ハルトもまた、自分の物語を人々に伝えることの価値を感じました。En: Harto also felt the value of sharing his stories with others.Ja: 市場を去るとき、アキラとハルトの心に新しいつながりが生まれていました。En: As they left the market, a new connection was born in the hearts of Akira and Harto.Ja: そして秋の空が深まる中、彼らはそれぞれの道を歩み始めました。En: With the autumn sky deepening, they each began their own paths. Vocabulary Words:adorned: 飾られていましたartisans: 職人vividly: 色鮮やかにhandicrafts: 手工芸品wafted: 漂っていましたintriguing: 興味深そうにmodest: 控えめなcuriosity: 興味津々pendant: ペンダントsymbol: 象徴courage: 勇気appreciation: 感謝traditions: 伝統shy: 苦手confidence: 自信stories: 物語connection: つながりembarrassed: 照れながらproudly: 誇りを持ってdelicious: 美味しそうmarket: 市場lovely: 素敵なintroduced: 紹介しましたdeeply: 深いmeaning: 意味protection: 守るappreciation: 感謝village: 村autumn: 秋younger: 若い

A glittering academy at dusk. Rules that keep two worlds barely apart. One choice that keeps getting harder to make. We dive into Vampire Knight with clear eyes and sharper questions, exploring how romance, power, and tradition twist together at Cross Academy—and why this story still hits years later. We get into the heart of Yuki's agency before and after her memories return, Zero's fight against becoming a Level E, and Kaname's unnerving calm as he steers politics like a grandmaster. The tension isn't just who ends up with whom; it's what each character is willing to sacrifice to stay human in a world that keeps insisting they're not.We trace the differences between the anime's moody restraint and the manga's bolder moves, from marriages and children to memory resets and moral gambits. Along the way, we highlight side characters who actually move the plot, the elegant soundtrack that frames every corridor conversation, and the gothic look that signals meaning with a glance. And yes, we tackle the pureblood problem—the traditions that complicate consent and lineage—which turns a straightforward love triangle into a thorny debate about destiny, autonomy, and the cost of keeping power in the family.If you've ever asked whether Vampire Knight is a better love story than Twilight, we have a nuanced answer. Yuki feels like a person with a spine, Zero's bond grows from shared danger and duty, and Kaname's schemes are as fascinating as they are chilling. By the end, you'll have a clearer view of what works, what doesn't, and why this series still inspires rewatching and debate. If you enjoy smart deep-dives into anime romance, supernatural politics, and character-driven storytelling, you'll feel right at home.Enjoyed the conversation? Follow, rate, and share the show to help other fans find it—and tell us your verdict: Team Kaname or Team Zero?Text us for feedback and recommendations for future episodes!Support the showWe thank everyone for listening to our podcast! We hope to grow even bigger to make great things happen, such as new equipment for higher-quality podcasts, a merch store & more! If you're interested in supporting us, giving us feedback and staying in the loop with updates, then follow our ZONE Social Media Portal to access our website, our Discord server, our Patreon page, and other social media platforms! DISCLAIMER: The thoughts and opinions shared within are those of the speaker. We encourage everyone to do their own research and to experience the content mentioned at your own volition. We try not to reveal spoilers to those who are not up to speed, but in case some slips out, please be sure to check out the source material before you continue listening!Stay nerdy and stay faithful,- J.B.Subscribe to "Content for Creators" on YouTube to listen to some of the music used for these episodes!

You know how some spaces just make you feel excited to DO something? Whether it's a Cricut getting your wheels spinning with what-ifs, beautiful shelves of paint inviting you to decorate holiday pottery, or a giant stack of cookbooks suddenly causing you to wonder if it's time to fill the cookie jar, well-organized resources in a creative space can help bring out your creative side. Today, let's talk about how to choose and organize flexible resources for your ELA classroom, anytime you've got the budget and bandwidth. (Check out this post on how to use Donors Choose, if your budget is continuously falling short of your needs). Ooh, one more thing before we start. Throughout this podcast, I'm showcasing graphics and displays from the #evolvingEDdesign Toolkit, a vast free resource I made for you. You can grab it here. Go Further:  Explore alllll the Episodes of The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast. Get my popular free hexagonal thinking digital toolkit Join our community, Creative High School English, on Facebook. Come hang out on Instagram.  Enjoying the podcast? Please consider sharing it with a friend, snagging a screenshot to share on the 'gram, or tapping those ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ to help others discover the show. Thank you!  Links: The (Vast) Ed Design (Free) Toolkit: https://sparkcreativity.kartra.com/page/evolvingEDdesign  The Do's and Don'ts of Donors Choose: https://nowsparkcreativity.com/2019/01/the-dos-and-donts-of-donors-choose-for.html  The Power of the Writing Makerspace: https://nowsparkcreativity.com/2018/09/the-power-of-writing-makerspace-with.html  The Ed Deck: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Ed-Deck-Lesson-Plan-Inspiration-ELA-Activities-and-Projects-Editable-5106443  Sources Considered, Consulted, and Cited for this Series & for the Toolkit: Abdaal, Ali. Feel Good Productivity. Celadon Books, 2023. "Aesthetics and Academic Spaces." Teachers College, Columbia University Youtube Channel: Curriculum Encounters Podcast, Episode 4. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuFs4Fyk-v0Bwtuy1eQJ3JkRTeL4Sjyz4 Accessed Oct. 21, 2025.  Chavez, Felicia. The Anti-Racist Writing Workshop. Haymarket Books, 2021. Dintersmith, Ted. Documentary: Most Likely to Succeed. 2015.  Dintersmith, Ted. What Schools Could Be. Princeton University Press, 2018.  Doorley, Scott & Witthoft, Doorley. make space: How to Set the Stage for Creative Collaboration. John Wiley and Sons, 2012. "Exploring Google's Headquarters in San Francisco." Digiprith Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxGqbmFf9Qc. Accessed October 13, 2015.  "High Tech High Virtual Tour." High Tech High Unboxed Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87xU9smFrj0 . Accessed October 15, 2025. "Inside YouTube's Biggest Office In America | Google's YouTube Headquarters Office Tour." The Roaming Jola Youtube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P26fDfFBx8I . Accessed October 14, 2025. Novak, Katie. Universal Design for Learning in English Language Arts. Cast Inc., 2023. Potash, Betsy. "Research-Based Practices to Ignite Creativity, with Dr. Zorana Ivcevic Pringle." The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast, Episode 393. Pringle,  Zorana Ivcevic. The Creativity Choice. Public Affairs, 2025. Ritchart, Ron and David Perkins. "Making Thinking Visible." Educational Leadership, February 2008, p.p. 57-61. https://pz.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/makingthinkingvisibleEL.pdf. Accessed October 13, 2025. Richardson, Carmen and Punya Mishra. "Scale: Support of Creativity in a Learning Environment," 2017. Accessed through Drive with permission. Richardson, Carmen and Punya Mishra. "Learning environments that support student creativity: Developing the SCALE." Thinking Skills and Creativity, Volume 27, March 2018, p.p. 45-54. Accessed online at https://doi-org.proxy2.cl.msu.edu/10.1016/j.tsc.2017.11.004, October 13, 2025. "Sensory Inquiry and Social Spaces." Teachers College, Columbia University Youtube Channel: Curriculum Encounters Podcast, Episode 2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtD_-k5QmOQ&list=PLuFs4Fyk-v0Bwtuy1eQJ3JkRTeL4Sjyz4&index=2  Accessed Oct. 23, 2025.  Stockman, Angela. Make Writing: 5 Strategies that turn Writer's Workshop into a Maker Space. Hack Learning Series, 2015.   Terada, Yuki. "Do Fidgets help Students Focus?" Edutopia Online: https://www.edutopia.org/article/do-fidgets-help-students-focus/. Accessed 4 November 2025. Utley, Jeremy. "Masters of Creativity (Education Edition) #1: Input Obsession (Design Thinking)." Stanford d.School Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LosDd3Q0yQw . Accessed October 15, 2025. Utley, Jeremy and Kathryn Segovia. "Masters of Creativity: Updating the Creative Operating System (Design Thinking)." Stanford d.School Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ggza7df7N7Y&t=2233s. Accessed October 17, 2025. "What is Curriculum and Where Might we Find It?" Teachers College, Columbia University Youtube Channel: Curriculum Encounters Podcast, Episode 4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yh_UhGATVwM&list=PLuFs4Fyk-v0Bwtuy1eQJ3JkRTeL4Sjyz4&index=1 Accessed Oct. 23, 2025.   

In der heutigen Folge gibt es die Rennanalyase zu Brasilien 2025. Wir sind auch auf Instagram erreichbar: https://www.instagram.com/formulanerdpodcast Wir freuen uns über Kritik, Ideen und weitere Anregungen, um unser kleines Projekt für euch immer Besser zu machen. Viel Spaß wünschen Marc und Manu. E-Mail: formulanerdpodcast@web.de Dieser Podcast wird vermarktet von der Podcastbude.www.podcastbu.de - Full-Service-Podcast-Agentur - Konzeption, Produktion, Vermarktung, Distribution und Hosting.Du möchtest deinen Podcast auch kostenlos hosten und damit Geld verdienen?Dann schaue auf www.kostenlos-hosten.de und informiere dich.Dort erhältst du alle Informationen zu unseren kostenlosen Podcast-Hosting-Angeboten. kostenlos-hosten.de ist ein Produkt der Podcastbude.

In der heutigen Folge gibt es die Rennanalyase zu Brasilien 2025. Wir sind auch auf Instagram erreichbar: https://www.instagram.com/formulanerdpodcast Wir freuen uns über Kritik, Ideen und weitere Anregungen, um unser kleines Projekt für euch immer Besser zu machen. Viel Spaß wünschen Marc und Manu. E-Mail: formulanerdpodcast@web.de Dieser Podcast wird vermarktet von der Podcastbude.www.podcastbu.de - Full-Service-Podcast-Agentur - Konzeption, Produktion, Vermarktung, Distribution und Hosting.Du möchtest deinen Podcast auch kostenlos hosten und damit Geld verdienen?Dann schaue auf www.kostenlos-hosten.de und informiere dich.Dort erhältst du alle Informationen zu unseren kostenlosen Podcast-Hosting-Angeboten. kostenlos-hosten.de ist ein Produkt der Podcastbude.

In this week's episode, Zoe and Hannah recap the 2025 São Paulo GP. They break down the sprint race chaos, Yuki driving for Mama and Papa, and Gabi's tough home race weekend. They also chat about Max's impressive recovery drive from the pitlane and yet another win for Lando Norris.

Get your thinking caps on! This one is a doosey! But the latest Outpost feature has players puzzled on what procs where and why some ships die earlier than others. The good ole fashioned TRIANGLE is making it's way back to relevance with the new Outpost feature. Why? Let's dive in.    00:00 — Show intro, greetings to chat, and server roll call 03:30 — Opening banter: Fortnite wins, 15 battle pass giveaways 06:45 — Christmas Angel Fund update and Johnny Five's $100 donation 09:30 — How to donate anonymously and track contributions via Discord 11:00 — Marketing sponsorship announcement with Scopely and Marvel Strike Force 14:20 — Explanation of how gameplay translates into donations for the Angel Fund 17:15 — Breakdown of donation tiers and cash equivalents through game progression 19:00 — Real-time community fundraising totals: $992 in 24 hours 20:30 — Transparency commitment and DJz' personal $50 contribution 22:00 — Discussion: future QR codes and linking donation pages on Discord 23:30 — Transition: shifting from charity updates to “Back to Basics” STFC content 25:00 — Introduction to combat mechanics topic — who fires first in different battle types 27:15 — PvE combat order explained and the importance of early procs (Khan, Borg Hugh) 30:00 — Station combat order and modifiers (Freeman, Ram, Nog, delay shots) 33:00 — PvP combat logic — attacker priority and why pressing “Attack” last matters 36:30 — Armada battle order — who fires first, starter vs. starred ships 42:00 — Strategic implications of “stars” and combat round sequencing 46:00 — Deeper mechanics: modifiers, procs, and how round logic determines damage 50:00 — QuirkyZombie's combat calculator and mechanics resource shout-out 55:00 — Crew nostalgia discussion — Chang, Gorkon, Yuki, Khan, and legacy value 01:10:00 — Combat math breakdown: mitigation, morale, burning, and hull breach order 01:25:00 — Outpost battles and how combat order impacts PvP and fleet placement 01:40:00 — Testing methodology: verifying order through logs and observable behavior 01:55:00 — Live audience Q&A: “What happens in base raids and armadas?” 02:10:00 — Teaching Trek segment setup: plans for a multi-part “Back to Basics” series 02:25:00 — Closing remarks, community appreciation, and Patreon shout-out

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Rediscovering Balance: A Kyoto Getaway Transforms Yuki's Heart Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-11-09-08-38-20-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 秋の紅葉が鮮やかに色づく京都御所。青空の下、ゆっくりと散歩する家族の姿がありました。En: In the Kyoto Gyoen, where the autumn leaves color vibrantly, there was a family strolling leisurely under the blue sky.Ja: 彼らは旅行で京都を訪れた雪の一家です。En: They were the Yuki family, visiting Kyoto on vacation.Ja: 大学を卒業して以来、初めての京都訪問に雪は心を躍らせていました。En: Since graduating from university, Yuki was thrilled to visit Kyoto for the first time.Ja: しかし、その心には小さな重荷がありました。En: However, her heart carried a small burden.Ja: 仕事と家族、どちらにも責任を感じていたのです。En: She felt a sense of responsibility towards both her work and her family.Ja: 母の愛子は御所の静かな庭を指さし、「ここでのんびり過ごしたいね」と微笑みました。En: Her mother, Aiko, pointed at the peaceful garden of the Gyoen and smiled, "I want to spend a relaxing time here."Ja: 弟の宏も「紅葉がきれいですね」と嬉しそうに写真を撮っています。En: Her younger brother, Hiroshi, also happily took photos, saying, "The autumn leaves are beautiful, aren't they?"Ja: しかし、雪の心は落ち着きません。En: However, Yuki's heart was not at ease.Ja: 仕事のプロジェクトが頭を離れず、家族との時間を十分に楽しめていないように感じていました。En: The work project wouldn't leave her mind, and she felt like she couldn't fully enjoy her time with her family.Ja: 「どうしたの？」愛子が心配そうにたずねます。En: "What's wrong?" Aiko asked with concern.Ja: 雪は少し迷いましたが、正直に答えました。「最近、仕事が忙しくてね。En: After hesitating a little, Yuki answered honestly, "I've been busy with work lately.Ja: でも、ちゃんと家族とも過ごしたくて。」En: But, I do want to spend time with my family."Ja: 宏が元気よく言います。「仕事も大事だけど、今はここにいるんだよ。En: Full of energy, Hiroshi said, "Work is important, but right now, we're here.Ja: 楽しもう！」En: Let's enjoy ourselves!"Ja: その言葉は雪の心に温かく響きました。En: Those words resonated warmly in Yuki's heart.Ja: 歩みを続けながら、彼女は考えます。自分の時間を大切にし、バランスを取り戻したいと。En: As she continued to walk, she thought about cherishing her time and regaining balance.Ja: 紅葉した庭を歩くうちに、雪は少しずつ考えを整理していきました。En: While walking through the garden with the autumn leaves, Yuki gradually sorted out her thoughts.Ja: 「もっと柔軟に働けないかな」と心の中でつぶやきます。En: She muttered to herself, "Can't I work more flexibly?"Ja: 庭の美しさが彼女の心を清らかにし、ふとした瞬間に答えが見えてきました。En: The beauty of the garden purified her heart, and suddenly, the answer became clear.Ja: 「家族と一緒の時間を増やすこと、できるかもしれない」と雪は心を決めます。En: "I might be able to spend more time with my family," Yuki decided.Ja: 旅行が終わったら、上司に相談し、働き方を見直すことに。もっとも大切なものを見失わないように。En: After the trip was over, she would consult with her boss and reevaluate her working style, so as not to lose sight of what was most important.Ja: その夜、雪は満天の星空を見上げながら微笑みました。En: That night, Yuki looked up at the star-filled sky and smiled.Ja: これからは、家族や自分自身をもっと大事にしよう、と。En: From now on, she decided to cherish her family and herself more.Ja: そして、彼女は家族と深い絆を取り戻しつつ、自分の仕事も新しいスタイルで挑戦していく決意をしました。En: And so, as she regained a deep bond with her family, she resolved to take on her work with a new style.Ja: 雪の心は、次第に軽くなっていきました。En: Yuki's heart gradually felt lighter. Vocabulary Words:vibrantly: 鮮やかにstrolling: 散歩thrilled: 心を躍らせてburden: 重荷responsibility: 責任peaceful: 静かなconcern: 心配hesitating: 迷いましたhonestly: 正直にbusily: 忙しくresonated: 響きましたcherishing: 大切にreevaluate: 見直すflexibly: 柔軟にpurified: 清らかにconsult: 相談regained: 取り戻しgradually: 次第にvibrant: 鮮やかleisurely: ゆっくりautumn: 秋のproject: プロジェクトsorting: 整理reenjoy: 楽しめてbond: 絆resolved: 決意style: スタイルimportant: 大事captured: 撮っていますsky: 空

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: From Solitude to Solidarity: Hiroshi's Autumn Odyssey Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-11-08-23-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 秋の風が吹き抜ける荒れ果てたショッピングモールは、過去の賑わいを完全に失っていた。En: The autumn wind swept through the desolate shopping mall, which had completely lost its former bustling energy.Ja: 粉々になったガラス天井から薄暗い光が差し込み、長い間沈んでいた落ち葉が埃と共に舞い上がっていた。En: Dim light streamed in through the shattered glass ceiling, and fallen leaves that had been resting for a long time danced up with the dust.Ja: 広い通路にはかつての喧騒はもうなく、静寂だけが残っている。En: The wide corridors were devoid of their past clamor, leaving only silence in its place.Ja: ヒロシはその通路を静かに歩く。En: Hiroshi walked quietly through the corridor.Ja: 一人で生き抜くことに慣れていた彼は、今日もまた冬に備えて物資を集める。En: Having grown accustomed to surviving on his own, today again he gathered supplies in preparation for winter.Ja: 周りには他の生存者の気配が漂い、油断は禁物だ。En: The presence of other survivors lingered around, making it crucial not to let his guard down.Ja: 彼は物陰に隠されていたいくつかの缶詰を見つけ、慎重に手に取った。En: He found a few canned goods hidden in the shadows and carefully picked them up.Ja: その時、背後から声が聞こえた。En: At that moment, a voice came from behind.Ja: 「やあ、ヒロシ。En: "Hey, Hiroshi.Ja: 食料を手に入れたのか？En: Did you get some food?"Ja: 」声の主はユキという女性だった。En: The voice belonged to a woman named Yuki.Ja: 彼女は彼と同じく、ここで生き抜こうとしている一人だ。En: Like him, she was trying to survive here.Ja: 「そうだ、いくつか見つけた」とヒロシは答えた。En: "Yes, I found a few," Hiroshi replied.Ja: ユキは少し困った表情を浮かべる。En: Yuki wore a slightly troubled expression.Ja: 「私たちのグループに来ないか？En: "Why don't you join our group?Ja: 安全な場所がある。En: We have a safe place.Ja: そこなら一緒に冬を乗り切れるかもしれない。En: Together, we might be able to get through the winter.Ja: 物資を分け合おう」と提案する。En: Let's share our supplies," she suggested.Ja: ヒロシはためらった。En: Hiroshi hesitated.Ja: 一人での自由と独立は、彼の生き残りの戦略だった。En: Freedom and independence alone had been his survival strategy.Ja: しかし、心のどこかで孤独を感じていた。En: However, deep down somewhere, he felt lonely.Ja: 彼にとってユキの申し出は魅力的だが、簡単には信用できないのが現実だ。En: Yuki's offer was enticing, but trust did not come easily in this reality.Ja: その瞬間、遠くから叫び声と足音が聞こえてきた。En: At that moment, screams and footsteps could be heard in the distance.Ja: 敵対するグループが彼らに近づいている。En: A hostile group was approaching them.Ja: 「物資を差し出せ！En: "Hand over your supplies!"Ja: 」と冷酷な声が響く。En: a cold voice echoed.Ja: ヒロシは考える。En: Hiroshi contemplated.Ja: 戦って独立を守るべきか、それともユキと新しい道を選ぶべきか。En: Should he fight to maintain his independence, or choose a new path with Yuki?Ja: その時、彼はユキの目を見て決断した。En: At that moment, he looked into Yuki's eyes and made a decision.Ja: 「分かった。En: "Alright.Ja: 一緒に行こう。En: Let's go together."Ja: 」ヒロシはユキにそう答えると、二人は急いで隠れた出口へと向かった。En: With this reply to Yuki, the two quickly headed toward a concealed exit.Ja: そこでユキのグループと合流し、敵と対峙する準備をした。En: There, they met up with Yuki's group and prepared to confront the enemy.Ja: 新しい仲間たちと協力し、ヒロシは敵を撃退することに成功した。En: With the cooperation of his new comrades, Hiroshi successfully repelled the enemy.Ja: 彼は今、ユキたちと共に生きる道を選んだ。En: He chose the path of living with Yuki and her group.Ja: 孤独ではなく、協力と信頼こそが新たな生き方を創り出すことを理解したのだ。En: He realized that cooperation and trust, rather than solitude, forged a new way of living.Ja: ヒロシは群れの中で安心感を感じる。En: Hiroshi felt a sense of security within the group.Ja: これからは一人ではない。En: From now on, he was not alone.Ja: 仲間と共に歩む秋の風は、どこか温かく心地よいものに感じられた。En: The autumn wind, walking with his comrades, felt somehow warm and comforting.Ja: 秋は終わり、冬が来る。En: Autumn ended, and winter arrived.Ja: だが、彼はもう恐れない。En: But he no longer feared.Ja: 彼には仲間がいるから。En: Because he had his comrades with him. Vocabulary Words:swept: 吹き抜けるdesolate: 荒れ果てたbustling: 賑わいshattered: 粉々になったdevoid: なくclamor: 喧騒accustomed: 慣れていたsupplies: 物資linger: 漂いcrucial: 禁物だcanned goods: 缶詰troubled: 困った表情enticing: 魅力的screams: 叫び声hostile: 敵対するrepelled: 撃退solitude: 孤独strategy: 戦略concealed: 隠れたcomrades: 仲間たちsecurity: 安心感confront: 対峙forged: 創り出すことcollaborated: 協力instinct: 本能mistrust: 信用できないgrim: 冷酷echoed: 響くdistant: 遠く

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Whispers of the Chikurin: A Journey of Memory and Healing Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-11-06-23-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 竹林の中、ハルカは静かなため息をついた。En: In the chikurin, Haruka let out a quiet sigh.Ja: アラシヤマの竹林は、静けさと優雅さを持っていた。En: The chikurin of Arashiyama possessed both tranquility and elegance.Ja: 秋のやわらかな日差しが、竹の間を通り抜け、地面に模様を描いた。En: The soft autumn sunlight filtered through the bamboo, painting patterns on the ground.Ja: ハルカの心は、ここで彼女の祖母を思い出す。En: Haruka's thoughts were drawn to memories of her grandmother here.Ja: 祖母は自然と詩を愛していた。En: Her grandmother loved nature and poetry.Ja: 家族の集まりは、祖母の灰を散骨するためだ。En: The family gathering was to scatter her grandmother's ashes.Ja: ハルカの父、ユキや弟のタロウも来ている。En: Haruka's father, Yuki, and younger brother Tarou were also present.Ja: 彼らは笑顔でいたが、ハルカの心にはまだ悲しみが残っていた。En: Although they wore smiles, a lingering sadness remained in Haruka's heart.Ja: 家族は先に進もうとしていたが、ハルカにはもっと時間が必要だった。En: Her family seemed ready to move on, but Haruka needed more time.Ja: 竹林の中、一人になりたかったハルカは、そっと家族から離れた。En: Wanting to be alone in the chikurin, Haruka quietly distanced herself from her family.Ja: 足元の落ち葉がカサカサと音を立てた。En: The fallen leaves crunched softly underfoot.Ja: この場所は祖母のお気に入りだった。En: This place was her grandmother's favorite.Ja: 自然の美しさを詩にすることが好きだった祖母のことを思い出しながら、彼女は歩いた。En: Walking, she remembered her grandmother who loved to immortalize nature's beauty in poetry.Ja: 竹の中心に着いたとき、ハルカは足を止めた。En: When she reached the heart of the bamboo forest, Haruka stopped.Ja: 彼女は小さな壺を慎重に開け、竹林に向かって灰を放った。En: She carefully opened a small urn and released the ashes toward the chikurin.Ja: 風が優しくそれを包み込み、竹の間を通り過ぎていった。En: The gentle wind embraced them, carrying them through the bamboo.Ja: その瞬間、ハルカは祖母の愛した詩を思い出し、静かに口ずさんだ。「秋の風、心を運び、記憶を語る。」En: In that moment, Haruka remembered her grandmother's beloved poem and softly recited, "Autumn wind, carries the heart, tells of memories."Ja: 彼女が詩を終えると、家族がそっと近づいてきた。En: As she finished the poem, her family quietly approached.Ja: ユキが言った。「おばあちゃんも、この景色を見ているね。」En: Yuki said, "Grandma is also watching this scenery."Ja: みんなで座り込み、それぞれ祖母との思い出を語り始めた。En: They all sat down and began sharing memories of their grandmother.Ja: タロウは、小さい頃祖母に竹笛を作ってもらった話をした。En: Tarou spoke about how their grandmother had made him a bamboo flute when he was little.Ja: それに笑いながら、みんなで思い出を共有した。En: Sharing laughter, they exchanged fond memories.Ja: ハルカは感じた。En: Haruka felt a change.Ja: 悲しみは完全には消えないかもしれないが、家族と祖母への思いを分かち合えたことで、心が少し軽くなった。En: The sadness might not completely vanish, but sharing memories of their grandmother eased her heart a bit.Ja: 「祖母の思い出は心の中に生き続ける。」彼女はそう思い、竹林の静けさの中で、小さな安堵の笑みを浮かべた。En: "Grandmother's memories will live on in our hearts," she thought, and in the stillness of the chikurin, she managed a small, relieved smile.Ja: 竹が風に揺れ、静かにささやくように。En: The bamboo swayed in the wind, whispering softly.Ja: ハルカは、祖母とのつながりを胸に抱え、新しい一歩を踏み出した。En: Haruka embraced the connection with her grandmother as she took a new step forward.Ja: それは彼女の心に大切な宝物だった。En: It was a precious treasure in her heart.Ja: 彼女は決して一人ではないと感じた。En: She felt she was never alone.Ja: この竹林の中では、祖母がいつもそばにいると信じて。En: In this chikurin, she believed her grandmother was always beside her. Vocabulary Words:trankility: 静けさelegance: 優雅さfiltered: 通り抜けmemories: 思い出すscatter: 散骨ashes: 灰linger: 残っていたcrunched: 音を立てたimmortalize: 美しさを詩にするurn: 壺whispering: ささやくbeloved: 愛したrecited: 口ずさんだembraced: 包み込みvanish: 消えないeased: 軽くなったrelieved: 安堵treasure: 宝物step forward: 一歩を踏み出したbelieve: 信じてapproached: 近づいてきたfond: 思い出connection: つながりpainted: 模様を描いたembrace: 抱えstillness: 静けさのswayed: 揺れshared: 分かち合えたsoftly: 静かにprecious: 大切な

The other day I found myself walking through a parking garage stairwell in Iowa City, and I realized they were using the same scent design as the local mall in Bratislava where we used to live. Half-shocked, half-amused, I climbed the cement stairs as I remembered riding the escalator through the same subtle scent cloud two years ago. The memory was visceral. Though we don't always think about it, our sensory experiences have a strong impact on how we feel and how we work. I do my best work in a situation where I feel comfortable. In fact, I generally prefer not to work at home because step one, for me, to working at home is often to clean the entire house, put music on, light a candle, pick flowers, make tea, etc. and so I spent an hour prepping to work before I do anything. I bet you've already put considerable time and effort into making your classroom a space where you feel comfortable and where students feel welcome. Today isn't about changing any of that; it's just about finding small places where you might be able to tune your sensory dashboard in class to make it work even better for you and your kiddos. By thinking specifically about the five senses - just like we have students do in their writing - you can find easy wins to make the workspace more welcoming, energizing, and comfortable for everyone inside. Throughout this podcast, and all the ones in this series, I'm showcasing graphics and displays from the #evolvingEDdesign Toolkit, a vast free resource I made for you.  You can grab it here: https://sparkcreativity.kartra.com/page/evolvingEDdesign  Please share your classroom design stories, questions, photos and ideas with the #evolvingEDdesign hashtag across platforms so we can continue the conversation off the pod! Go Further:  Explore alllll the Episodes of The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast. Snag three free weeks of community-building attendance question slides Join our community, Creative High School English, on Facebook. Come hang out on Instagram.  Enjoying the podcast? Please consider sharing it with a friend, snagging a screenshot to share on the 'gram, or tapping those ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ to help others discover the show. Thank you!  Links Mentioned: Edutopia Article on Fidgets Scottish Castle Fireplace Video Nasa Space Images Video Fun Stanford d.School Timer for Class Work (one of many they've created!) Sources Considered, Consulted, and Cited for this Series & for the Toolkit: Abdaal, Ali. Feel Good Productivity. Celadon Books, 2023. "Aesthetics and Academic Spaces." Teachers College, Columbia University Youtube Channel: Curriculum Encounters Podcast, Episode 4. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuFs4Fyk-v0Bwtuy1eQJ3JkRTeL4Sjyz4 Accessed Oct. 21, 2025.  Chavez, Felicia. The Anti-Racist Writing Workshop. Haymarket Books, 2021. Dintersmith, Ted. Documentary: Most Likely to Succeed. 2015.  Dintersmith, Ted. What Schools Could Be. Princeton University Press, 2018.  Doorley, Scott & Witthoft, Doorley. make space: How to Set the Stage for Creative Collaboration. John Wiley and Sons, 2012. "Exploring Google's Headquarters in San Francisco." Digiprith Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxGqbmFf9Qc. Accessed October 13, 2015.  "High Tech High Virtual Tour." High Tech High Unboxed Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87xU9smFrj0 . Accessed October 15, 2025. "Inside YouTube's Biggest Office In America | Google's YouTube Headquarters Office Tour." The Roaming Jola Youtube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P26fDfFBx8I . Accessed October 14, 2025. Novak, Katie. Universal Design for Learning in English Language Arts. Cast Inc., 2023. Potash, Betsy. "Research-Based Practices to Ignite Creativity, with Dr. Zorana Ivcevic Pringle." The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast, Episode 393. Pringle,  Zorana Ivcevic. The Creativity Choice. Public Affairs, 2025. Ritchart, Ron and David Perkins. "Making Thinking Visible." Educational Leadership, February 2008, p.p. 57-61. https://pz.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/makingthinkingvisibleEL.pdf. Accessed October 13, 2025. Richardson, Carmen and Punya Mishra. "Scale: Support of Creativity in a Learning Environment," 2017. Accessed through Drive with permission. Richardson, Carmen and Punya Mishra. "Learning environments that support student creativity: Developing the SCALE." Thinking Skills and Creativity, Volume 27, March 2018, p.p. 45-54. Accessed online at https://doi-org.proxy2.cl.msu.edu/10.1016/j.tsc.2017.11.004, October 13, 2025. "Sensory Inquiry and Social Spaces." Teachers College, Columbia University Youtube Channel: Curriculum Encounters Podcast, Episode 2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtD_-k5QmOQ&list=PLuFs4Fyk-v0Bwtuy1eQJ3JkRTeL4Sjyz4&index=2  Accessed Oct. 23, 2025.  Stockman, Angela. Make Writing: 5 Strategies that turn Writer's Workshop into a Maker Space. Hack Learning Series, 2015.   Terada, Yuki. "Do Fidgets help Students Focus?" Edutopia Online: https://www.edutopia.org/article/do-fidgets-help-students-focus/. Accessed 4 November 2025. Utley, Jeremy. "Masters of Creativity (Education Edition) #1: Input Obsession (Design Thinking)." Stanford d.School Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LosDd3Q0yQw . Accessed October 15, 2025. Utley, Jeremy and Kathryn Segovia. "Masters of Creativity: Updating the Creative Operating System (Design Thinking)." Stanford d.School Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ggza7df7N7Y&t=2233s. Accessed October 17, 2025. "What is Curriculum and Where Might we Find It?" Teachers College, Columbia University Youtube Channel: Curriculum Encounters Podcast, Episode 4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yh_UhGATVwM&list=PLuFs4Fyk-v0Bwtuy1eQJ3JkRTeL4Sjyz4&index=1 Accessed Oct. 23, 2025.   

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Tea Ceremony Triumph: A Tale of Friendship and Festival Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-11-03-08-38-19-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 体育館には色とりどりの旗が飾られ、中世風の装飾が施されていました。En: The gymnasium was adorned with colorful flags and decorated in a medieval style.Ja: 厚いカーテンが窓を覆い、早秋の柔らかな光が蛍光灯と混ざり合って、独特の雰囲気を作り出しています。En: Thick curtains covered the windows, and the soft early autumn light blended with the fluorescent lamps, creating a unique atmosphere.Ja: 香の香りが漂い、生徒たちは忙しく文化祭の準備をしています。En: The scent of incense lingered, and the students were busily preparing for the cultural festival.Ja: 春樹は日本の伝統的な茶道を発表しようとしています。En: Haruki was planning to present a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.Ja: 彼の茶道は、学校の文化祭の一番の見どころにしたいと思っています。En: He hoped his tea ceremony would become the highlight of the school's cultural festival.Ja: 「頑張って、春樹！」雪と奈央が彼に声をかけます。En: "Do your best, Haruki!" Yuki and Nao called out to him.Ja: 二人は春樹の親友で、文化祭のためにそれぞれの催し物を準備しています。En: The two were Haruki's close friends, each preparing their own events for the festival.Ja: 雪は書道の展示、奈央は素晴らしい物語を語るパフォーマンスを用意していました。En: Yuki was setting up a calligraphy exhibition, while Nao was preparing a performance of storytelling.Ja: 春樹は心の中で不安を感じています。En: Haruki felt a sense of anxiety inside.Ja: 「僕の茶道でみんなに認めてもらえるかな？」と。En: "I wonder if my tea ceremony will be recognized by everyone?" he thought.Ja: 雪と奈央の展示も素晴らしいと評判で、特に雪の書道は人気があります。En: The exhibitions of Yuki and Nao were also reputed to be wonderful, with Yuki's calligraphy being particularly popular.Ja: 茶道を普通に行うだけではもっと競争相手にならないと感じた春樹は、決心しました。En: Feeling that performing a standard tea ceremony would not be enough to stand out among competitors, Haruki made a decision.Ja: 「鎌倉時代の茶文化を再現しよう。それで目立つことができるかもしれない。」En: "I'll recreate the tea culture of the Kamakura era. That might make me stand out."Ja: 茶道のセットを用意するのは大変です。En: Preparing the tea ceremony set was challenging.Ja: 歴史を調べ、新しいアイデアを組み込むために頑張ります。En: He worked hard to incorporate new ideas while researching history.Ja: しかし、いざ発表の日、春樹は悲劇に見舞われます。En: However, on the day of the presentation, Haruki was struck by disaster.Ja: 茶道の道具が突然倒れ、敷物は乱れ、茶碗は転げ落ちます。En: The tea ceremony tools suddenly fell, the mat was disheveled, and the tea bowls toppled over.Ja: 観客たちは驚き、ざわめいています。En: The audience gasped in surprise and murmured among themselves.Ja: 春樹は目を閉じて深呼吸します。En: Haruki closed his eyes and took a deep breath.Ja: 観客の注目が集まる中、彼は頭を働かせます。En: Amidst the audience's attention, he began to think.Ja: すると、雪と奈央が彼の傍に駆け寄ります。En: Then, Yuki and Nao rushed to his side.Ja: 「大丈夫、春樹。私たちが手伝うから。」En: "It's okay, Haruki. We'll help you."Ja: 三人は急いで茶碗を拾い、舞台を整え直し、限られた道具でなんとか茶道を再開します。En: The three quickly picked up the tea bowls, rearranged the stage, and somehow managed to resume the tea ceremony with the limited tools available.Ja: 歴史的な説明を交えつつ、雪は筆を使って、奈央は物語を語り始めます。En: While incorporating historical explanations, Yuki began writing with her brush, and Nao started telling a story.Ja: 茶道は新しい形となり、二人の助けを借りて、審査員や観客に強い印象を与えました。En: The tea ceremony took on a new form, and with the help of his friends, Haruki made a strong impression on the judges and the audience.Ja: 「見事だ、春樹、雪、奈央。」審査員は、その感想を述べ、彼らに高評価を与えました。En: "Excellent work, Haruki, Yuki, Nao," the judges remarked, giving them high praise.Ja: 春樹は胸を張ります。En: Haruki stood tall.Ja: 「実は、友達との協力が一番大切なんだって気づいたんだ。」En: "I realized that working together with friends is the most important thing."Ja: 三人は微笑み合って、体育館を後にしました。En: The three smiled at each other and left the gymnasium.Ja: 秋の冷たい風が吹く中、文化祭の日の思い出は心の中に温かく残りました。En: As the chilly autumn wind blew, the memories of the cultural festival day remained warmly in their hearts.Ja: 春樹は、友達や学校の仲間との絆が新しい始まりであることを実感し、より自信を持って前に進むことができました。En: Haruki felt that the bonds with his friends and schoolmates were a new beginning, allowing him to move forward with greater confidence. Vocabulary Words:adorned: 飾られcurtains: カーテンincense: 香tea ceremony: 茶道highlight: 見どころanxiety: 不安reputed: 評判competitors: 競争相手recreate: 再現challenging: 大変disaster: 悲劇disheveled: 乱れmurmured: ざわめいてamidst: 中でincorporating: 交えつつrearranged: 整え直しimpression: 印象judges: 審査員remarked: 述べconfidence: 自信bonds: 絆decorated: 装飾atmosphere: 雰囲気lingered: 漂いreputed: 評判remarkable: 素晴らしいpresentation: 発表resumed: 再開explanations: 説明performance: パフォーマンス

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Robots and Revelations at the Tokyo Science Museum Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-11-02-23-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 秋の晴れた日、東京の科学博物館にはたくさんの人々が訪れていました。En: On a sunny autumn day, many people were visiting the Tokyo Museum of Science.Ja: 展示室の明るい照明とインタラクティブなディスプレイの音が、訪れた人々の興味をさらに引き立てます。En: The bright lights in the exhibit rooms and the sounds from the interactive displays further piqued the interest of the visitors.Ja: その中を通る二人の大学生、ユキとハルトは、それぞれ違う期待を胸にしていました。En: Among them were two university students, Yuki and Hiroto, each with their own expectations.Ja: ユキは笑顔で、特別なロボティクスの展示を見て回るのを楽しみにしていました。En: Yuki, smiling, was looking forward to exploring a special robotics exhibit.Ja: 「わあ、ハルト！En: "Wow, Hiroto!Ja: 見て、このロボットは人間のように動けるんだよ！En: Look, this robot can move like a human!"Ja: 」彼女は目を輝かせて話しかけますが、ハルトは少し退屈そうにしています。En: she exclaimed with sparkling eyes, but Hiroto seemed a bit bored.Ja: 「ふーん、それで？En: "Huh, and?"Ja: 」と、彼はあくびをしながら答えました。En: he replied with a yawn.Ja: しかし、ユキは諦めませんでした。En: However, Yuki didn't give up.Ja: 彼女は常に新しいことを学びたいと考えているので、ハルトにも科学の面白さを感じてもらいたかったのです。En: Always eager to learn new things, she wanted Hiroto to also appreciate the wonders of science.Ja: 「次は君の興味を引くものを探してみるね。En: "Next, I'll try to find something that piques your interest."Ja: 」博物館の中を歩き回りながら、ユキはハルトに合いそうな展示を見つけようとしました。En: As they walked around the museum, Yuki tried to find an exhibit that might suit Hiroto.Ja: すると、周りに子供たちが集まるエリアにたどり着きました。En: They arrived at an area surrounded by children.Ja: それはインタラクティブなロボットのデモンストレーションのコーナーでした。En: It was a corner for an interactive robot demonstration.Ja: 「ここにしよう！En: "Let's go here!"Ja: 」ユキはハルトの手を引いてその展示へと向かいました。En: Yuki said, pulling Hiroto towards the exhibit.Ja: そこで、訪問者は小さなロボットを使ってプログラミングを体験することができました。En: There, visitors could experience programming with small robots.Ja: 最初は渋々だったハルトも、次第にその操作に熱中し始めました。En: Though reluctant at first, Hiroto gradually became engrossed in the operation.Ja: 「おお、こんな簡単に動かせるなんて思わなかった！En: "Wow, I didn't think it could be controlled so easily!"Ja: 」その場でハルトは、小さなロボットを動かし、自分のつくったプログラムで壁へのあたりを回避させることができたのです。En: Right there, Hiroto managed to move a small robot and avoid obstacles using a program he created.Ja: 周りの人々も拍手を送り、彼は自然と笑顔になりました。En: People around them applauded, and he naturally began to smile.Ja: 帰るとき、ハルトはユキに向かって言いました。En: On their way out, Hiroto said to Yuki, "Next time, I'd like to see another exhibit.Ja: 「次は別の展示も見てみようかな、ちょっと興味が湧いてきたよ。En: I've gotten a bit interested."Ja: 」ユキは満足そうに微笑みました。En: Yuki smiled contentedly.Ja: 「そうだね！En: "Yeah!Ja: 次はもっと楽しませるよ。En: Next time, I'll make sure it's even more fun."Ja: 」彼女はハルトと並んで博物館を後にしながら、自分の情熱を少しでも共有できた満足感に浸っていました。En: She walked out of the museum alongside Hiroto, basking in the satisfaction of having shared a bit of her passion.Ja: そして二人は、その素晴らしい秋の一日を思い出に、また新しい科学の冒険を求めていくのでした。En: And so, they turned this wonderful autumn day into a cherished memory and set off in search of new scientific adventures.Ja: ユキは相手の興味を考えることの大切さを学び、ハルトは少しオープンマインドになりました。En: Yuki learned the importance of considering others' interests, and Hiroto became a bit more open-minded.Ja: それは、次への訪問を約束する一歩となりました。En: This was a step towards promising another visit. Vocabulary Words:sunny: 晴れたautumn: 秋visitors: 訪れた人々exhibit: 展示interactive: インタラクティブpique: 引き立てるexpectations: 期待forward: 楽しみにrobotics: ロボティクスbored: 退屈yawn: あくびeager: 常にappreciate: 感じてもらいたいwonders: 面白さsuit: 合いそうsurrounded: 集まるdemonstration: デモンストレーションreluctant: 渋々engrossed: 熱中obstacles: 壁へのあたりapplauded: 拍手contentedly: 満足そうにsatisfaction: 満足感passion: 情熱cherished: 思い出adventures: 冒険considering: 考えるopen-minded: オープンマインドpromising: 約束するvisit: 訪問

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Healing Teas and Autumn Leaves: Haru's Journey to Inner Peace Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-10-31-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 紅葉が舞う秋の京都の茶屋で、青年ハルと彼の姉ユキ、そして静かな茶道の師匠、サクラの物語が始まります。En: In an Kyoto teahouse, where autumn leaves danced, the story begins with a young man named Haru, his sister Yuki, and their calm tea ceremony master, Sakura.Ja: 茶室は静寂に包まれ、窓の外には紅葉が美しく色づいていました。En: The tea room was enveloped in silence, and outside the window, the leaves were beautifully colored.Ja: 茶の香りが優しく漂い、まるで時が止まっているかのような空間です。En: The gentle aroma of tea floated in the air, creating a space as if time had stopped.Ja: ハルは伝統芸術に強い興味を持っていました。En: Haru had a strong interest in traditional arts.Ja: でも最近、彼はひどい偏頭痛に悩まされていました。En: However, recently, he had been suffering from terrible migraines.Ja: それは彼の情熱を試すかのように、茶道に集中することを困難にしていました。En: They made it difficult for him to concentrate on the way of tea, as if testing his passion.Ja: この日も茶会が始まる前から、頭の痛みがズキズキと響いていました。En: On this day too, even before the tea gathering began, his head throbbed painfully.Ja: ユキは心配そうにハルを見ていました。En: Yuki looked at her brother with concern.Ja: 「お兄ちゃん、お医者さんに行った方がいいんじゃない？」と彼女は言いました。En: "Big brother, shouldn't you go see a doctor?" she said.Ja: しかし、ハルは首を横に振ります。En: However, Haru shook his head.Ja: 「今日はどうしても参加したいんだ」と彼は答えました。En: "I really want to participate today," he replied.Ja: 茶道が始まりました。En: The tea ceremony began.Ja: サクラは優雅な動きで茶を点て、参加者たちは静かにその様子を見守ります。En: Sakura, with graceful movements, brewed the tea, and the participants quietly observed.Ja: けれどハルは頭痛がひどく、なかなか集中できませんでした。En: But Haru's headache was severe, making it hard to concentrate.Ja: このままでは大切な茶会を楽しむことができません。En: At this rate, he wouldn't be able to enjoy the important tea gathering.Ja: サクラはハルの様子を見て、彼が何か困っていることに気がつきました。En: Sakura noticed Haru's condition, sensing that something was troubling him.Ja: 彼女は優しく「どうしましたか？」と声をかけました。En: She gently asked, "What's the matter?"Ja: ハルは一瞬戸惑いましたが、正直に言うことにしました。En: Haru hesitated for a moment but decided to be honest.Ja: 実は偏頭痛がひどくて、集中できないんです。En: "Actually, my migraine is severe, and I can't concentrate," he admitted.Ja: その時、サクラは静かに茶会を中断しました。En: At that moment, Sakura quietly interrupted the tea gathering.Ja: そして彼女は「健康は最も大切です」と微笑み、特別なお茶を出しました。En: She smiled and said, "Health is most important," before bringing out a special tea.Ja: それは彼女が特製で作った、心を落ち着けるためのハーブティーでした。En: It was a herbal tea she had specially prepared to calm the mind.Ja: 「これを飲んで少し休んでください」とサクラ。En: "Please drink this and take a little rest," Sakura advised.Ja: ハルは感謝し、ハーブティーを一口飲みました。En: Haru expressed his gratitude and took a sip of the herbal tea.Ja: 温かいお茶が喉を通り過ぎると、不思議と頭痛が和らいだように感じました。En: As the warm tea passed down his throat, he surprisingly felt his headache ease.Ja: 茶会は再び始まり、ハルは心の中でサクラの優しさに感謝しました。En: The tea gathering resumed, and Haru internally thanked Sakura for her kindness.Ja: 彼は全員と共に、秋の風情を楽しみ、茶の味を堪能しました。En: Along with everyone, he enjoyed the autumn atmosphere and savored the taste of the tea.Ja: この経験を通じて、ハルは自分の限界を認めること、そして他人の助けを受け入れることの大切さを学びました。En: Through this experience, Haru learned the importance of recognizing his limits and accepting the help of others.Ja: 健康も心の強さの一部なのだと理解したのです。En: He understood that health is also part of mental strength.Ja: この日は、彼にとって大切な成長のステップとなりました。En: This day became an important step in his growth.Ja: 茶会の後、ユキは「お兄ちゃん、良かったね」と微笑んで言いました。En: After the tea gathering, Yuki smiled and said, "Big brother, things turned out well, didn't they?"Ja: ハルも微笑み返しました。En: Haru also smiled back.Ja: ありがとう、ユキ。そしてありがとう、サクラ先生」と彼は心から感謝しました。En: "Thank you, Yuki, and thank you, Sakura-sensei," he said with heartfelt gratitude.Ja: 茶屋の外では、月明かりの下で繊細な紅葉が風に揺れていました。En: Outside the teahouse, delicate autumn leaves swayed in the wind under the moonlight.Ja: 静かな夜、ハルの心は穏やかで一杯でした。En: In the quiet night, Haru's heart was filled with peace. Vocabulary Words:teahouse: 茶屋autumn: 秋enveloped: 包まれgentle: 優しくaroma: 香りthrobbed: ズキズキと響いていましたmigraine: 偏頭痛concentrate: 集中concern: 心配graceful: 優雅なparticipants: 参加者たちsevere: ひどくtroubling: 困っているinterrupted: 中断しましたherbal: ハーブcalm: 落ち着けるgratitude: 感謝sip: 一口飲みましたsavored: 堪能しましたimportance: 大切さlimits: 限界recognizing: 認めるaccepting: 受け入れるgrowth: 成長heartfelt: 心からdelicate: 繊細なswayed: 揺れていましたmoonlight: 月明かりquiet: 静かなpeace: 穏やか

LANDO NORRIS DANCES THE CUCARACHA IN MEXICO! MAX GETS THE "NO WAY JOSE" ON LECLERC, GEORGE GETS A LITTLE EXCITED, THE VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR WAS TOTALLY BOGUS!! AND PIASTRI NO LONGER LEADS THE CHAMPIONSHIP. NASIR HAMEED CORNER HAS... ESTEBAN GUTIERREZ, ANTONIO PIZZONIA AND TEAM OWNER TREVOR CARLIN. GRACIAS.   MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - OCTOBER 26: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain driving the (44) Scuderia Ferrari SF-25 Charles Leclerc of Monaco driving the (16) Scuderia Ferrari SF-25 and Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 battle for track position at the start during the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on October 26, 2025 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) Orcale Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen drove a battling race from fifth on the grid to secure thid place in the Mexican Grand Prix at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, finishing just 0.725s behind second place as he fought all the way to the chequered flag in his hunt for more points in the 2025 Drivers' Championship fight. Starting fifth, Verstappen made a fast start, but ran wide in Turn 1 as he tried to thread his way into the top three. The Dutchman recovered quickly and fought hard to put his RB21 on the podium as McLaren driver Lando Norris drove to a comfortable win. Verstappen's late race charge to catch runner-up Charles Leclerc came down to the very last lap of the race, but the Ferrari driver just held on by 0.725s to leave Verstappen third. In the race for the 2025 Driver's Championship Verstappen gained more ground on the two McLaren drivers ahead of him however. Norris overtook team-mate Oscar Piastri to assume the championship lead by a single point on 357, but Verstappen closed the gap from 40 points to 36 with just four races now remaining. Team-mate Yuki Tsunoda just missed the points in 11th place, losing a position from his starting slot on the grid, while Visa Cash App Racing Bulls saw only Isack Hadjar finish in 13th after Liam Lawson suffered a DNF after just five laps onf the Grand Prix. LANDO:  “I could just keep my eyes focused, I could just keep eyes forward and just focus on what I was doing. “A pretty straightforward race for me, which is just what I was after. Good start, good launch, good first lap and I could go from there.” “This is awesome here... this is unbelievable. My first win here in Mexico, a beautiful one to win, especially here in the stadium. A big thanks to all the fans.”myself, I keep my head down, I ignore all of this [noise] and I keep to myself. It's working at the minute, so I'm happy.” GEORGE: That was a frustrating afternoon. At the start, three drivers cut over the grass at turn one and either kept or gained positions without penalty. I stayed on the track but lost out, unfortunately. That also happened when Lewis (Hamilton) and Max (Verstappen) were battling; when the Red Bull came back on the track, I had to take avoiding action, go off track, and lost several positions myself. Those two moments were ultimately the undoing of our race. From there, it was difficult being stuck in a train of cars and in particular, with the dirty air. We inverted the cars to try and maximise the team result but ultimately we just didn't have the pace to fight our way forward. We've got four races to go and need to regain some momentum if we are to emerge ahead in the battle for second in the Constructors' Championship. We're relishing that fight and looking forward to Brazil. FERNANDO: "It was a difficult race for me, and we've struggled for pace all weekend. We had a good start but then there was some contact which caused minor damage to the front wing. I was also surprised to see a few cars cutting the corner at the start, jumping ahead of us and not getting penalties. Unfortunately, about halfway through the race we had to retire the car as a precaution. Hopefully we can have more luck in the future." MAX: “I didn't expect to be on the podium today, it was quite eventful at the beginning and I had a good start. However, I went into the kerb, started bottoming out, avoided the wall by going on the grass and got back on to the track. It was quite hectic and the grip wasn't there on the Medium tyre, we quickly realised it wasn't a great tyre and tried to extend on it as much as we could. As soon as I was on the Soft tyre it felt better and we were more competitive. We did the perfect strategy, really optimised the final stint and I was enjoying it. At the end with the virtual safety car, it was unfortunate timing but sometimes it works for you and sometimes it doesn't and that is just racing, but it would have been an exciting finish. I have said before that we need everything to go perfectly for the rest of the season and it wasn't perfect this weekend, so we will just need to continue optimising our performance as much as we can. However, even with a difficult weekend, to still be on the podium is a great result. We need to analyse everything and see what we can do better to come back stronger: it will be tough but we will give it everything that we can.” LAURENT: “Well done to the whole Team for never giving up on a weekend when we have been struggling a bit more than we wanted with the car. Everyone pushed hard to get to a better place and the support we got from Milton Keynes and here trackside was very strong. It was never quite enough to fight for the win here but allowed us to get another important podium with Max. His drive made the strategy work very well for us, so very well done to the strategy team because we committed to a difficult one-stop while starting on a very tricky Medium tyre, his second stint was mega, he didn't let the pace drop and what he managed to extract from the car was what we needed to make the race work. He was taking six to seven tenths out of Charles per lap and we would have had a proper fight in the last few laps without the VSC. It is part of the game, we don't control the VSC, and it's cost us a nice battle to watch and perhaps a few points. The pace from Yuki was also fast today, especially his first stint on the Medium.  Unfortunately we had a fairly long pitstop with him, which is not the sort of thing which usually happens with our super strong pit crew.” Thinking of you Nasir...

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: When Emails Go Awry: Humor in the Freelancers Home Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-10-26-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 秋の午後、賑やかなフリーランサーズ・ホーム。En: An autumn afternoon at the bustling Freelancers Home.Ja: 窓からは落ち葉が舞い、珈琲の香りが漂う。En: Leaves dance outside the window, and the scent of coffee lingers in the air.Ja: ノートパソコンの光が店内を照らし出す中、ゆきはカプチーノをすすりながらメールを書いていた。En: The light from laptops illuminates the cafe as Yuki sips her cappuccino while writing an email.Ja: 「ああ！」突然、ゆきは声を上げた。En: "Ah!" Yuki suddenly exclaimed.Ja: 彼女は親友のはなに送るはずの面白いメールを、誤って上司のたかしに送ってしまったのだ。En: She had accidentally sent a funny email meant for her best friend Hana to her boss Takashi.Ja: 顔が赤くなるゆき。En: Yuki blushed red.Ja: たかしはちょうど目の前の席に座っている。En: Takashi was seated right in front of her.Ja: 「どうしよう、どうしよう…」ゆきは頭を抱えた。En: "What should I do, what should I do..." Yuki buried her head in her hands.Ja: 直接謝りたいが、どう言えばいいか分からない。En: She wanted to apologize directly but didn't know what to say.Ja: 彼女はたかしに不真面目だと思われたくなかった。En: She didn't want Takashi to think she was unprofessional.Ja: 少しの間、画面とにらめっこしていたが、思い切って行動に出ることにした。En: She stared at the screen for a while but decided to take action.Ja: 「すみません、たかしさん…」と、ゆきは声をかけた。En: "Excuse me, Takashi-san..." Yuki called out.Ja: しかし、その瞬間。たかしが笑いをこらえきれずに、声を上げてしまった。En: However, at that moment, Takashi couldn't hold back his laughter and burst out.Ja: 「ゆきさん、このメール最高だね！」と、彼は微笑んだ。En: "This email is brilliant, Yuki-san!" he smiled.Ja: 彼は既にメールを読んでおり、楽しんでいたのだ。En: He had already read the email and enjoyed it.Ja: 「え？本当に？」ゆきは驚いた顔をしたが、たかしの笑顔に安堵した。En: "What? Really?" Yuki looked surprised, but Takashi's smile reassured her.Ja: 「はい、本当です。素敵なユーモアですね」と、たかしは言った。En: "Yes, really. It's a wonderful sense of humor," Takashi said.Ja: ゆきはほっとして、思わず笑ってしまった。En: Yuki felt relieved and couldn't help but laugh.Ja: その後、二人は暖かい珈琲を飲みながら、楽しく話をした。En: After that, the two of them had a pleasant conversation over warm coffee.Ja: 「次からはもっと慎重に送ります」と、ゆきは笑顔で約束した。En: "I'll be more careful with my emails next time," Yuki promised with a smile.Ja: 「そうですね。でも、あなたのユーモアは素晴らしいですから、たまにはこんな失敗もいいかもしれませんね」と、たかしは微笑んだ。En: "Yes, but your humor is amazing, so a mistake like this might be good every once in a while," Takashi smiled.Ja: その日、ゆきは気づいた。少しのユーモアは、職場での関係を深めるのに役立つこともあると。En: That day, Yuki realized that a little humor can sometimes help deepen workplace relationships. Vocabulary Words:autumn: 秋bustling: 賑やかなdance: 舞いlinger: 漂うilluminate: 照らし出すsip: すすりexclaim: 声を上げたaccidentally: 誤ってblush: 赤くなるbury: 抱えたapologize: 謝りreassured: 安堵したpleasant: 楽しくcareful: 慎重humor: ユーモアmistake: 失敗realize: 気づいたdeepen: 深めるrelationship: 関係workplace: 職場screen: 画面action: 行動moment: 瞬間laugh: 笑いbrilliant: 最高sense: 感覚wonderful: 素敵なpromise: 約束smile: 微笑んだcareful: 慎重に

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Autumn Triumph: The Art of Teamwork at the Culture Fest Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-10-26-07-38-20-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 秋の風がカーテンを揺らす頃、学校の文化祭の準備が始まりました。En: As autumn winds began to stir the curtains, preparations for the school culture festival started.Ja: 教室はカラフルな飾りでいっぱいで、窓の外には葉が舞い落ちていました。En: The classroom was full of colorful decorations, and leaves were falling outside the window.Ja: この年、クラスのブースを最高にしたいと強く願ったのは、ハルトでした。En: Haruto was the one who strongly wished to make their class booth the best this year.Ja: 「僕たちのブースが一番になるんだ！En: "Our booth is going to be number one!"Ja: 」ハルトは意気込んで言いました。En: Haruto said enthusiastically.Ja: 彼の目は輝いていましたが、友人のユキは心配そうに彼を見ました。En: His eyes were shining, but his friend Yuki looked at him worriedly.Ja: 「ハルト、それはちょっと難しいかも。En: "Haruto, that might be a bit difficult.Ja: 時間もないし、予算も少ないよ。En: We don't have much time, and our budget is limited."Ja: 」その時、静かに座っていたサクラが彼らの会話を聞いていました。En: Listening quietly to their conversation was Sakura, who was good at drawing.Ja: 彼女は絵を描くのが得意で、内心では手伝いたいと思っていましたが、どうやって言い出すべきかわかりませんでした。En: Deep down, she wanted to help but didn't know how to offer her services.Ja: ハルトは豪華な飾りと派手な演出を計画していましたが、みんなが疲れと混乱であふれる中、どんどん準備が遅れていきました。En: Haruto had planned extravagant decorations and flashy presentations, but as everyone became overwhelmed with exhaustion and confusion, preparations were increasingly delayed.Ja: ユキはため息をつき、「簡単にした方がいいんじゃない？En: Yuki sighed and suggested, "Maybe we should simplify things?"Ja: 」と提案しましたが、ハルトは諦めませんでした。En: But Haruto was unwilling to give up.Ja: いよいよ文化祭が迫る中、ブースの準備はまとまらず、クラスメートたちは焦り始めました。En: With the culture festival fast approaching, the booth preparations remained uncoordinated, and classmates began to panic.Ja: サクラは心の中で葛藤していましたが、このままではいけないと思い立ち、勇気を出してハルトに声をかけました。En: Sakura wrestled with her feelings but realized she had to act, gathering her courage to speak to Haruto.Ja: 「私も手伝う。En: "I want to help.Ja: 絵を描くことができるよ。En: I can draw," she offered.Ja: 」サクラの申し出に、ハルトは最初驚きましたが、彼女の熱意を見て計画を縮小し、シンプルで美しいブースを作ることにしました。En: Initially surprised by Sakura's offer, Haruto was moved by her enthusiasm and decided to scale down the plans to create a simple yet beautiful booth.Ja: サクラのアートが加わり、教室はたちまち色とりどりの秋の風景に変わりました。En: With Sakura's art added, the classroom quickly transformed into a colorful autumn landscape.Ja: 文化祭当日、クラスのブースはみんなの注目を浴び、大成功を収めました。En: On the day of the culture festival, their class booth drew everyone's attention and was a huge success.Ja: シンプルだけれど美しいブースは特別賞を受賞し、ハルトは初めて協力の大切さを実感しました。En: The simple yet beautiful booth won a special prize, and Haruto realized the importance of cooperation for the first time.Ja: サクラも自分の力を出せたことに自信を持つことができました。En: Sakura also gained confidence from being able to contribute her skills.Ja: そうやって、秋の文化祭はハルト、ユキ、サクラの心に温かい思い出を残して幕を閉じました。En: And so, the autumn culture festival left warm memories in the hearts of Haruto, Yuki, and Sakura, as the event drew to a close. Vocabulary Words:stir: 揺らすcurtains: カーテンpreparations: 準備colorful: カラフルなdecorations: 飾りextravagant: 豪華なflashy: 派手なexhaustion: 疲れconfusion: 混乱overwhelmed: あふれるsimplify: 簡単にするuncoordinated: まとまらずpanic: 焦りwrestled: 葛藤enthusiasm: 熱意scale down: 縮小するtransformed: 変わるlandscape: 風景attention: 注目success: 大成功cooperation: 協力contribute: 貢献するconfidence: 自信memories: 思い出event: イベントbooth: ブースoffer: 申し出gathering: 集めるcourage: 勇気scale: 縮小する

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: A Serendipitous Encounter with Art: Harto and Yuki's Story Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-10-25-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 秋の穏やかな午後、晴れた空の下、ハルトは日本の現代美術を探しに美術館に足を運びました。En: On a calm autumn afternoon, under a clear sky, Harto went to a museum in search of contemporary Japanese art.Ja: 彼の心は期待で満ちていました。En: His heart was full of anticipation.Ja: 美術館は広々としており、秋の黄金色の作品が静かに並んでいました。En: The museum was spacious, and the golden autumn art pieces were quietly lined up.Ja: その日の訪問者は少なく、ハルトはじっくりと絵画を鑑賞することができました。En: There were few visitors that day, allowing Harto to appreciate the paintings at his leisure.Ja: 中に入ると、彼はユキに出会いました。En: Upon entering, he met Yuki.Ja: ユキは芸術の学生で、今回の展示の準備を手伝っていました。En: Yuki was an art student helping with the preparation for the exhibition.Ja: 彼女は熱心に説明し、案内役として満足そうでした。En: She eagerly explained and seemed satisfied with her role as a guide.Ja: 「こんにちは、ハルトと言います。何かお勧めがありますか？」En: "Hello, my name is Harto. Do you have any recommendations?"Ja: 「こんにちは、ユキです。この絵はいかがですか？」ユキはある絵を指差しました。En: "Hello, I'm Yuki. How about this painting?" Yuki pointed to a certain painting.Ja: 「この作品は、現代の日本文化をうまく表現しています。見た目も素敵ですよ。」En: "This work beautifully expresses modern Japanese culture. It's lovely to look at too."Ja: ハルトは絵に近づき、じっくりと観察しました。En: Harto approached the painting and observed it closely.Ja: 絵は紅葉をテーマにしており、深いオレンジと優しい黄色が交じり合っていました。En: The painting was themed around autumn leaves, with a mix of deep orange and gentle yellow.Ja: 美しい作品でしたが、彼の目はまだ迷っています。En: It was a beautiful piece, but his eyes were still wandering.Ja: 彼は心の中で考えました。「この絵もいいけれど、もう一つ見てみたいものがあるんだ。」En: He thought to himself, "This painting is nice, but there's something else I want to see."Ja: ハルトの視線は別の作品に移りました。En: Harto's gaze shifted to another artwork.Ja: それは彼の予算に合っているものでした。En: It happened to fit his budget.Ja: 「ユキさん、この絵もいいですね。でも、正直まだ迷っています。」En: "Yuki-san, this painting is nice too. But to be honest, I'm still undecided."Ja: ユキはにっこり笑いました。En: Yuki smiled warmly.Ja: 「実は、あの絵がとても好きなんです。これには独特の物語があります。En: "Actually, I really like that painting. It has a unique story.Ja: 紅葉を通して家族の温かさを描いています。」彼女の目は輝いていました。En: It depicts the warmth of family through autumn leaves." Her eyes were sparkling.Ja: ユキの話を聞くうちに、ハルトはその絵が異なる視点で見えてきました。En: As Harto listened to Yuki's story, he began to see the painting from a different perspective.Ja: 彼は想像力を膨らませ、彼女の情熱に感染されました。En: He expanded his imagination, infected by her passion.Ja: 「では、あの絵にします。ユキさん、ありがとう。あなたのおかげで決められました。」En: "Then, I'll choose that painting. Yuki-san, thank you. You helped me decide."Ja: ハルトは思い切ってユキが推薦する絵を選ぶことにしました。En: Harto boldly decided to choose the painting Yuki recommended.Ja: 終わりに、ハルトは絵の購入手続きをしながら、彼の選択に満足していました。En: In the end, while Harto was completing the purchase procedure for the painting, he was satisfied with his choice.Ja: 美術館を去る時、彼はユキに向かって言いました。「またここに来て、あなたの意見を聞きたいです。」En: As he left the museum, he said to Yuki, "I'd like to come back here and hear your opinions again."Ja: ユキは自信を持って微笑みました。「いつでもお待ちしています。」En: Yuki confidently smiled. "I look forward to it any time."Ja: この秋の一日は、ハルトとユキの心にも新しい季節をもたらしました。En: This autumn day brought a new season to both Harto and Yuki's hearts.Ja: 彼らはそれぞれ、他人の視点を尊重することの大切さを学んだのでした。En: They each learned the importance of respecting others' perspectives. Vocabulary Words:anticipation: 期待spacious: 広々としているleisure: じっくりrecommendations: お勧めexpresses: 表現しているobserved: 観察したtheme: テーマwandering: 迷っているundecided: 迷っていますunique: 独特perspective: 視点expanded: 膨らませたimagination: 想像力boldly: 思い切ってprocedure: 手続きconfidently: 自信を持ってperspectives: 視点respecting: 尊重するcontemporary: 現代exhibition: 展示satisfied: 満足しているdepicts: 描いているsparkling: 輝いているinfected: 感染decide: 決めるpurchase: 購入autumn: 秋golden: 黄金色appreciate: 鑑賞するguidance: 案内

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Dreams and Bonds in Tokyo's Autumn Sky Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-10-24-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 東京の高層ビルは、秋の風景が美しく、街の中でも特に華やかだ。En: The skyscrapers of Tokyo are particularly dazzling, especially in autumn when the landscape is beautiful and vivid.Ja: 葉が赤やオレンジに染まり、観覧デッキから見るその景色は息をのむほど素晴らしい。En: The leaves turn red and orange, and the view from the observation deck is breathtaking.Ja: そこに、二人の青年がいた。ユキとハルは、会社のチームビルディングイベントでここに来ていた。En: There were two young people there, Yuki and Haru, who had come for a company team-building event.Ja: ユキは若いが野心に満ちたプロフェッショナルだ。En: Yuki is young but an ambitious professional.Ja: 彼女は大きなプロジェクト契約を成立させることに一生懸命だ。En: She is determined to secure a major project contract.Ja: 一方、ハルは幼なじみであり、仕事と個人生活のバランスを大切にしたいと思っている。En: On the other hand, Haru, her childhood friend, values balancing work and personal life.Ja: 会社での将来に疑問を感じ、自分の事業を始めることを考えている。En: He is questioning his future at the company and is thinking about starting his own business.Ja: イベント中、ユキは上司に良い印象を与えたいと頑張っていた。En: During the event, Yuki was trying hard to make a good impression on her boss.Ja: しかし、ハルの様子が気になる。彼の表情は不安そうだ。En: However, she was concerned about Haru, who looked anxious.Ja: ユキはハルに声をかけた。「ちょっと観覧デッキで休憩しようか。」En: She spoke to him, "How about we take a break on the observation deck?"Ja: 観覧デッキに立つと、目の前に広がる東京の眺めが二人を迎えた。En: Standing on the observation deck, they were welcomed by the expansive view of Tokyo before them.Ja: 風が静かに吹き抜ける。En: The wind gently blew by.Ja: 「どうかしたの?」と、ユキが尋ねる。En: "Is something wrong?" Yuki asked.Ja: ハルは少し考えてから話し始めた。En: After thinking for a moment, Haru began to speak.Ja: 「実はね、会社で働くことに迷いがあるんだ。En: "Actually, I'm having doubts about working at the company.Ja: 自分で何かやりたい気持ちが強くて。」En: I have a strong desire to do something on my own."Ja: ユキは驚いたが、率直なハルの言葉に心を動かされた。En: Yuki was surprised, but Haru's frank words moved her.Ja: 「そうなんだ。En: "I see.Ja: 私にはすごく大事な契約があるけど、あなたの夢も大事だよ。」En: I have a very important contract, but your dreams are important too."Ja: 二人は長い時間をかけて話し合った。En: The two of them spent a long time discussing it.Ja: ユキはハルの夢を応援することを決めた。En: Yuki decided to support Haru's dream.Ja: 彼女は気付いたのだ。本当の成功は友達を支えることや個人の満足感にあるのだと。En: She realized that true success lies in supporting friends and in personal fulfillment.Ja: ハルはユキのサポートに感謝し、心が軽くなるのを感じた。En: Haru felt grateful for Yuki's support and felt his heart lighten.Ja: 「お互いに頑張ろうね」と彼が微笑むと、ユキも笑顔でうなずいた。En: "Let's both do our best," he smiled, and Yuki nodded back with a smile.Ja: その瞬間、二人の心は一つになり、秋の空に新たな絆が結ばれた。En: In that moment, the two became united in spirit, and a new bond was forged under the autumn sky.Ja: ユキは友達を支える大切さを知り、ハルは新しい道を歩む勇気を得たのだった。En: Yuki learned the importance of supporting friends, and Haru gained the courage to walk a new path.Ja: この東京の高層ビルでの出来事が、二人の未来を明るく照らしていた。En: This event at the skyscraper in Tokyo brightly illuminated their future. Vocabulary Words:skyscrapers: 高層ビルdazzling: 華やかautumn: 秋observation deck: 観覧デッキbreathtaking: 息をのむほど素晴らしいambitious: 野心に満ちたsecure: 成立させるcontract: 契約balancing: バランスpersonal life: 個人生活impression: 印象concerned: 気になるanxious: 不安そうexpansive: 広がるfuture: 未来support: 支えるfulfillment: 満足感grateful: 感謝heart lighten: 心が軽くなるspirit: 心bond: 絆forged: 結ばれたfrank: 率直determined: 一生懸命landscape: 風景team-building: チームビルディングyouth: 青年illuminated: 照らしていたcourage: 勇気path: 道

De verkiezingen komen eraan en iedereen vraagt zich af: op wie moet ik stemmen? Armin, Defano en Yuki delen hoe zij naar Nederland kijken in deze tijd. Samen bespreken ze het huidige politieke klimaat en wat hen opvalt aan de richting van het land.

New York Bridal Fashion Week just wrapped, and as a 2026 bride myself, I couldn't resist diving into all the fall 2026 wedding dress trends. From the boutonniere bride and boho bell sleeves to bubble hems, cape veils, and the peplum comeback, I'm breaking down the standout looks from designers like Galia Lahav, Oscar de la Renta, Danielle Frankel, and Monique Lhuillier — and deciding which trends feel timeless . . . and which might not make it past the honeymoon.Plus, I share my own bride-to-be dilemma: do I dress for the moment or for forever? And since every Dinner for Shoes episode has a bite, I'm taste-testing a slice of apple pecan crumb cake from Yuki's Bakery in Hoboken (because Nick and I won't be doing a traditional wedding cake, so now's my chance!). Trish even pops in for a sniff.Whether you're planning your own wedding, manifesting one, or just love a good bridal trend report, this episode is your backstage pass to fall 2026 bridal fashion with a side of dessert.THIS DINNERApple cinnamon pecan coffee cake from Yuki's Bakery in Hoboken, NJTHESE SHOESZara Faux Fur Sole Heeled SandalsTHIS OUTFITShop my lookGarage dressLovers and Friends jacketBaubleBar necklaceAstrid & Miyu jewelry setAgapée ring   THESE CHAPTERS00:00 INTRO02:54 THE OUTFIT BEHIND THE SHOES06:38 WHAT I LOOK FOR IN A WEDDING DRESS12:44 FALL 2026 WEDDING DRESS TRENDS29:49 WEDDING CAKETHIS PRODUCTIONis created, written, hosted, and produced by Sarah Wasilak.is creative directed and executive produced by Megan Kai.is tech supervised by Nick.includes photos and videos in chronological order by Sarah Wasilak, Suess Moments Photography, Popsugar, Galia Lahav, HILÁ, Ines Di Santo, Markarian, Oscar de la Renta, Viktor&Rolf, Jenny Yoo, Danielle Frankel, Savannah Miller, Monique Lhuillier, Nadia Manjarrez, Elie Saab, CINQ, Honor, KYHA, and LEIN.references charity Brides For a Cause, photographer Miranda Suess, and florist Laura Collins. is made with love.Dinner for Shoes is a fashion podcast for people who love food, hosted by editor Sarah Wasilak. With appearances by her cats, Trish and Kit, and agendas that almost always go to shit, we aim to dive into a discussion about fashion and style and break some bread in each episode. Dinner for Shoes podcast episodes are released weekly on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple. You can follow along for updates, teasers, and more on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. If there are any fashion topics you've been pondering or good eats you think Sarah should try, don't hesitate to send a DM or an email.Dinner for Shoes is an original by The Kai Productions.Follow Dinner for Shoes: @dinnerforshoes on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube Follow host Sarah Wasilak: @slwasz on Instagram Follow producer Megan Kai: @megankaii on Instagram Get in touch: dinnerforshoes@gmail.comTo make this video more accessible, check out YouDescribe, a web-based platform that offers a free audio description tool for viewers who are blind or visually impaired.

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Tea, Friendship, and Autumn: A Heartwarming Tale in Tokyo Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-10-21-07-38-20-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 東京のにぎやかな商店街にある、こじんまりとした茶屋。En: In a lively shopping street of Tokyo, there was a cozy little teahouse.Ja: その店は、秋の紅葉の色彩と静かな雰囲気が調和した、暖かく居心地の良い場所でした。En: The shop was a warm and comfortable place where the colors of autumn foliage harmonized with a calm atmosphere.Ja: ハルトは、茶の棚をじっと見つめていました。En: Harto was staring intently at the tea shelf.Ja: 彼の心には、友人たちへの感謝が溢れていました。En: His heart was overflowing with gratitude for his friends.Ja: でも、何を選べばその気持ちが伝わるのか分からず、少し戸惑っていました。En: However, he was a bit puzzled about what to choose to convey those feelings.Ja: 「祭りの日に、ぴったりな贈り物を見つけたいな…でも、どれがいいのだろう？」と心の中で呟きました。En: He murmured internally, "I want to find the perfect gift for the festival day... but which one would be right?"Ja: その横にいるユキは、ウインドウショッピングを楽しむように色とりどりの茶缶を見ています。En: Next to him, Yuki was admiring the colorful tea canisters as if enjoying window shopping.Ja: しかし、彼女の心には別の悩みがありました。En: Yet, she had another concern on her mind.Ja: 「ハルトとは最近、少し距離を感じるな…もっと話したいのに。」彼女の笑顔の中には、そんな不安も隠れていました。En: "I feel a bit distant from Harto lately... I want to talk more." Hidden within her smile was such an anxiety.Ja: 「ハルト、どう思う？」ユキはにっこりとハルトに声をかけます。En: "Harto, what do you think?" Yuki asked with a bright smile.Ja: 「このお茶セット、友達喜ぶんじゃない？」En: "Wouldn't this tea set make our friends happy?"Ja: ハルトは一瞬考え、そして決心しました。En: Harto thought for a moment and then made a decision.Ja: 「ユキ、君のセンスを信じるよ。僕の意見も聞きたいけど、君のアイデアはすごく大事だよ。」彼は優しく言いました。En: "Yuki, I trust your sense. I'd like to hear your opinion because your ideas are really important," he said gently.Ja: その言葉がきっかけで、ユキは大きな深呼吸をして自分の心を開くことにしました。En: Prompted by those words, Yuki took a deep breath and opened up her heart.Ja: 「実はね、ハルト…最近私たち、あまり話していない気がするの。君ともっと繋がりたいのに、どうしたらいいのか分からなくて。」En: "Actually, Harto... I feel like we haven't talked much recently. I want to connect with you more, but I'm not sure how."Ja: ハルトは驚きましたが、同時に彼女の勇気に感謝しました。En: Harto was surprised but also grateful for her courage.Ja: 「ユキ、ごめんね。僕も君との時間をもっと大事にしたい。これからは、もっと心を開いて話そう。」En: "Yuki, I'm sorry. I want to value our time together more as well. Let's open our hearts and talk more from now on."Ja: 二人の間にあった重い雲が晴れ、明るい日差しが差し込んできたようでした。En: It felt as if a heavy cloud between them had lifted, and bright sunlight began to shine through.Ja: 彼らは心を通わせながら、色鮮やかな秋の季節にぴったりの美しく包装された茶のセットを選びました。En: As they shared their feelings, they chose a beautifully wrapped tea set perfect for the vibrant autumn season.Ja: 茶屋を出る頃には、ハルトとユキは共に微笑み合い、心の距離が縮まったことを感じていました。En: By the time they left the teahouse, Harto and Yuki were smiling at each other, feeling the distance between their hearts had narrowed.Ja: 祭りの日を心待ちにしながら、二人は再び忙しい街の景色の中へと歩み始めました。彼らの絆は、より深く、そして暖かく結ばれていきました。En: As they walked back into the busy street scene, looking forward to the festival day, their bond grew deeper and warmer. Vocabulary Words:lively: にぎやかなcozy: こじんまりとしたteahouse: 茶屋foliage: 紅葉harmonized: 調和したgratitude: 感謝puzzled: 戸惑っていましたmurmured: 呟きましたintently: じっとadmiring: 見ていますanxiety: 不安prompted: きっかけでcourage: 勇気lifted: 晴れbond: 絆shelf: 棚festival: 祭りwrapped: 包装されたvibrant: 色鮮やかなnarrowed: 縮まったwindow shopping: ウインドウショッピングset: セットintently: じっとconvey: 伝わるdecision: 決心opinion: 意見distant: 距離connect: 繋がりたいsurprised: 驚きましたdeep: 深く

Max Verstappen dominates the United States Grand Prix closing in on the drivers championship. Has Piastri lost his machismo? Norris looking more like a number one... This week's Nasir Hameed corner we celebrate successful women in Motorsports with Lynn Saint James and Tatiana Calderon!   AUSTIN, TEXAS - OCTOBER 19: Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Chris Gent, Chief Mechanic at Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrate on the podium with Champagne during the F1 Grand Prix of United States at Circuit of The Americas on October 19, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) Max:   “It was a perfect weekend and I think the start was key today. The pace wasn't magic but we got a good start on the first stint and Charles got in the middle of myself and Lando which helped a lot and as soon as Lando was in clean air he was very fast. We just did the best we could and tried to manage our tyres in the best way possible even though they were overheating a bit. This performance was exactly what we need until the end of the season to fight for the title. The Team has done a great job, I'm having fun and it's exciting for everyone. The performance of the car has been better and we need to keep the momentum going. We really maximised everything with the points and we need to continue having these perfect weekends until the end of the season. I am very happy to win again.” Laurent: “This has definitely been our strongest weekend in a long while. On a burning hot track, where we have found it tricky here in the past, Max kept extending the gap to his opponents in every session. If you see how tight it was on Friday, even though he was on pole for the Sprint, and then today, it was a substantial improvement. Once again, I want to thank everyone at the track and those back at base, who have been taking risks in terms of pushing everything to the limit, it's uncomfortable, but the work they are doing is unbelievable and it's paying off. They have unlocked so much from the car. AUSTIN, TEXAS - OCTOBER 18: Pole position qualifier Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing Second placed qualifier Lando Norris of Great Britain and McLaren and Third placed qualifier Charles Leclerc of Monaco and Scuderia Ferrari look on during Qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of United States at Circuit of The Americas on October 18, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images) We never took anything for granted, ultimately finding more and more performance as the weekend progressed. Max is driving at an incredible level and keeps raising the bar. We are going to continue with our approach for the upcoming races, starting by seeing how we can put the best possible car on track in Mexico. Yuki also enjoyed a strong weekend, especially today when he made up six places in the race, bringing home some useful points to add to those he scored in the Sprint yesterday. Finally, thank you and congratulations to our partners Mobil and Mobil 1 as we celebrate our 75th win together. It's been a strong and successful partnership and we look forward to celebrating many more together.” Fernando: "We started tenth and finished there, so we come away with one point in the end. We didn't really have the pace to fight for anything more than P10 and it seems we had a bit more performance in Qualifying than in the race. It wasn't the most exciting day for me, and we were open to various strategies, but it was a standard one-stop race. We'll go again in Mexico and see if we can fight for points there."               Carlos:  It's a shame to end the race that way as the car had great pace today. I had done a similar move on Bearman some laps before, so I tried that inside line with Antonelli into turn 15. He opened the line and then closed the door more abruptly than what I was expecting, I tried to react by slamming on the brakes to avoid contact but it was too late and we touched. I was behind so I accept my part of fault and ultimately it's a shame as it cost the race for both of us. We were quick, so it hurts not to convert it into more points today but we'll bounce back for Mexico next week. James Vowles, Team Principal: Part of the reason why I'm in motorsport is you can have some fantastic days with the highest highs, and then just 24 hours later, you can walk away with nothing, as we are today. And that's the reflection of Austin. What's positive to me is we have really strong car pace, and that's one item that we'll carry through for the remainder of the season. But it just highlights that we have to qualify both cars in position towards the point-scoring end of the grid, and we need to ensure we're fighting through the field without contact or incident. I'm sorry for both Carlos and Kimi, both had good race pace today and I'm confident would have scored points, but it is just a part of racing that, as you're trying to overtake through different sections, contact may happen. The stewards have decided to hand Carlos a 5 place grid penalty, there was a sensible conversation however the guidelines are fairly clear on fault allocation. We will come back fighting in Mexico.

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Spooky Surprises: A Halloween Picnic in Ueno Park Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-10-18-07-38-20-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 秋の日、上野公園は色とりどりの紅葉でにぎわっていました。En: On an autumn day, Ueno Park was bustling with colorful fall foliage.Ja: 澄んだ空気の中、子供たちはハロウィンの衣装を着て遊んでいます。En: In the clear air, children were playing dressed in Halloween costumes.Ja: ハルカ、タケシ、ユキは、公園でピクニックをするためにやってきました。En: Haruka, Takeshi, and Yuki came to the park to have a picnic.Ja: 三人はハロウィンの装飾が施されたバスケットを持って、木の下に広げる場所を見つけました。En: The three of them carried a basket decorated for Halloween and found a spot to spread out under a tree.Ja: 「ここがいいね！」とハルカが笑顔で言いました。En: "This place is nice!" Haruka said with a smile.Ja: タケシはバスケットを開けました。En: Takeshi opened the basket.Ja: しかし、中を見てびっくりしました。En: However, upon looking inside, he was shocked.Ja: 「何これ？サンドイッチじゃなくて、ゴムのクモや光る牙が入ってる！」En: "What's this? Instead of sandwiches, there are rubber spiders and glowing fangs!"Ja: ユキは大笑いしました。En: Yuki burst out laughing.Ja: 「ハロウィンらしいね！面白いじゃない？」と言って、ゴムのクモを持ち上げました。En: "It's very Halloween-like, isn't it? Isn't it fun?" she said, lifting up a rubber spider.Ja: ハルカは肩をすくめ、En: Haruka shrugged her shoulders.Ja: 「たぶん知らないうちにバスケットを交換しちゃったんだよ」と言いました。En: "Maybe we accidentally swapped baskets without realizing it," she said.Ja: タケシは少し困り顔。En: Takeshi looked a bit worried.Ja: 「でも、どうしよう？」と心配しました。En: "But what should we do?" he asked anxiously.Ja: ハルカは目を輝かせて言いました。「このまま楽しもうよ！これを使ってハロウィンゲームをしよう！」En: Haruka's eyes sparkled as she said, "Let's just enjoy it! Let's use these to play Halloween games!"Ja: ユキも賛成し、「いいね！トレジャーハントにしよう！」と言いました。En: Yuki agreed and said, "Great! Let's make it a treasure hunt!"Ja: 三人は芝生の上にゴムのクモを隠し合ったり、光る牙でお互いを脅かしたりしました。En: The three of them hid rubber spiders on the lawn, spooking each other with the glowing fangs.Ja: その騒ぎが、他の公園に来ていた人々の注目を集め、次第に参加者が増えていきました。En: Their commotion caught the attention of other people in the park, and gradually more participants joined in.Ja: まるで小さなハロウィンパーティーみたいでした。En: It was almost like a small Halloween party.Ja: みんな笑顔で参加してくれました。En: Everyone joined in with smiles.Ja: やがて、元のバスケットの持ち主がやってきました。En: Eventually, the owner of the original basket showed up.Ja: 事情を聞いて大笑い！En: After hearing the circumstances, they burst out laughing!Ja: すると、彼らは自分たちの美味しい食べ物を分けてくれました。En: Then, they shared their delicious food with them.Ja: 最後に、みんなで一緒におやつを食べて楽しい時間を過ごしました。En: In the end, everyone enjoyed snacks together and had a great time.Ja: ハルカは「意外なことが起きても、楽しむことが大事だね」と言い、タケシも少し考えを改めました。En: Haruka said, "Even when unexpected things happen, it's important to have fun," and Takeshi also reconsidered.Ja: 「時にはこういうハプニングも悪くないね」と言いました。En: "Sometimes, these kinds of happenings aren't so bad," he said.Ja: ユキは大満足で、「今日は最高の思い出になったね！」と声を上げました。En: Yuki was fully satisfied and exclaimed, "Today became the best memory!"Ja: 大笑いしながら、三人は帰り道に秋の香りを楽しみました。En: Laughing loudly, the three of them enjoyed the scent of autumn on their way home.Ja: 予想外のハロウィン、思い出に残る一日になりました。En: An unexpected Halloween turned into a memorable day. Vocabulary Words:autumn: 秋bustling: にぎわっていましたfoliage: 紅葉picnic: ピクニックbasket: バスケットdecorate: 装飾が施されたrealizing: 気づかないうちにaccidentally: 知らないうちにswapped: 交換しちゃったanxiously: 心配しましたsparkled: 輝かせてtreasure hunt: トレジャーハントhidden: 隠し合ったspooking: 脅かしたりcommotion: 騒ぎcircumstances: 事情delicious: 美味しいconsidered: 考えを改めましたunexpected: 意外なことparticipants: 参加者gradually: 次第にowner: 持ち主memorable: 思い出に残るexclaimed: 声を上げましたfully: 大満足でscent: 香りswapped: 交換しちゃったglowing: 光るspiders: クモhappenings: ハプニング

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Transforming Traditions: The Autumn Beauty Reinvention Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-10-17-07-38-20-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 秋の日差しがやわらかく庭を照らしていました。En: The gentle autumn sunlight was illuminating the garden.Ja: 日本庭園は、見事な紅葉で彩られ、訪れる人々を魅了します。En: The nihon teien was adorned with magnificent momiji, captivating its visitors.Ja: この庭では、もう少しで秋の紅葉祭りが開催されます。En: This garden was soon to host the Autumn momiji Festival.Ja: 園芸家のユキは、このイベントのために庭を完璧な状態に保つ責任がありました。En: Engeika Yuki had the responsibility of keeping the garden in perfect condition for this event.Ja: ユキは毎日忙しく働いています。En: Yuki was busy working every day.Ja: しかし、心の中には不安がありました。En: However, she harbored anxiety in her heart.Ja: イベントが成功するかどうか、期待に応えられるか、心配していました。En: She worried about whether the event would succeed and whether she could meet the expectations.Ja: ハルトは大学生で、この庭でアルバイトをしています。En: Haruto was a university student working part-time in this garden.Ja: ハルトは静かで考え深い性格です。En: Haruto was quiet and thoughtful by nature.Ja: 彼は庭の美しさに触発され、自分の美術の感性を活かした小さな工夫をしてみたいと思っていました。En: Inspired by the garden's beauty, he wanted to try using his sense of art to make small enhancements.Ja: でも、伝統が大切にされているこの庭で、自分のアイデアが受け入れられるか心配でした。En: But he was concerned whether his ideas would be accepted in this garden, where tradition was cherished.Ja: ある日、アーティストのアイコが庭を訪れました。En: One day, an artist named Aiko visited the garden.Ja: アイコは絵のインスピレーションを求めて、庭の細部まで観察しています。En: Aiko was seeking inspiration for her paintings and observed every detail of the garden.Ja: 「この庭は美しいね。En: She murmured, ""This garden is beautiful.Ja: でも、少し変化があったらもっと面白くなるかもしれない」とつぶやきました。En: But with a little change, it might become even more interesting."Ja: ハルトはこの言葉に心を動かされました。En: Haruto was moved by her words.Ja: 「あの、ユキさん」とハルトは勇気を出して声をかけます。En: "Um, Yuki-san," Haruto mustered the courage to speak up.Ja: 「この庭に、小さな変化を加えてみませんか？En: "Why don't we try making some small changes to the garden?Ja: 訪れる人々に新しい驚きを与えることができるかもしれません。」En: We might be able to provide visitors with a new surprise."Ja: ユキは少し驚きましたが、考えました。En: Yuki was a little surprised but contemplated it.Ja: 「ハルトのアイデアが、この庭をもっと素敵にできるかもしれない。」En: "Perhaps Haruto's ideas could further enhance the beauty of this garden."Ja: しかし、具体的にどうすれば良いか、まだ考えがまとまっていませんでした。En: However, she still hadn't figured out the specifics of how to accomplish this.Ja: その夜、激しい雨と風が庭を襲いました。En: That night, heavy rain and wind battered the garden.Ja: 数本の木が倒れてしまい、庭は少し傷つきました。En: A few trees fell, and the garden suffered some damage.Ja: ユキは途方に暮れていましたが、ハルトの新しいビジョンが、庭をよみがえらせる助けになるかもしれないと思いました。En: Although Yuki was at a loss, she thought that Haruto's new vision might help revive the garden.Ja: 次の日、ユキとハルトは協力して庭の修復を始めました。En: The next day, Yuki and Haruto began the restoration of the garden together.Ja: ハルトは自分のアイデアをユキに伝え、二人で相談しながら進めました。En: Haruto shared his ideas with Yuki, and together they proceeded through consultation.Ja: 小さなアートオブジェや、色のコントラストを活かした配置を考えました。En: They came up with small art objects and arrangements that took advantage of color contrasts.Ja: 紅葉の中で、自然と調和した新しいデザインが生まれました。En: A new design emerged, harmonizing with nature amidst the momiji.Ja: イベントの日、訪れた人々は庭の美しさに驚き、感動しました。En: On the day of the event, visitors were amazed and moved by the garden's beauty.Ja: 特にアイコはその変化に心を打たれ、絵のインスピレーションを得ました。En: Particularly, Aiko was struck by the changes and found inspiration for her paintings.Ja: ユキは学びました。伝統と新しいアイデアをうまく組み合わせることで、庭がより魅力的になること。En: Yuki learned that by skillfully combining tradition with new ideas, the garden could become even more attractive.Ja: そしてハルトも、自分の声を信じることの大切さに気づきました。En: Haruto also realized the importance of believing in his own voice.Ja: 庭には、秋の温かい色合いに包まれた、穏やかな風が吹いていました。En: A gentle breeze, enveloped in the warm hues of autumn, blew gently through the garden. Vocabulary Words:illuminating: 照らしていましたadorned: 彩られmagnificent: 見事なcaptivating: 魅了しますresponsibility: 責任harbored: 心にありましたanxiety: 不安expectations: 期待cherished: 大切にされているartist: アーティストmurmured: つぶやきましたmustered: 勇気を出してcontemplated: 考えましたaccomplish: すれば良いbattered: 襲いましたrestoration: 修復consultation: 相談しながらarrangements: 配置contrasts: コントラストdesign: デザインharmonizing: 調和したamazed: 驚きinspiration: インスピレーションskillfully: うまくtradition: 伝統attractive: 魅力的enveloped: 包まれたhues: 色合いgentle: 穏やかなbreeze: 風

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Autumn's Breath: Haru's Journey Toward Hope in Kyoto Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-10-17-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 木漏れ日の中、紅葉がゆっくりと色を変える京都の精神病棟。En: In the sunlight filtering through the trees, the autumn leaves gradually change color at a psychiatric ward in Kyoto.Ja: 葉がカリカリと音を立てて舞い散る頃、ハルは病棟の小さな部屋で静かに座っていた。En: As the leaves rustle and scatter, Haru sat quietly in a small room in the ward.Ja: ハルの心は秋の風に揺れ動くように、不安に苛まれていた。En: Haru's mind was plagued with anxiety, swaying like the autumn wind.Ja: しかし、深く呼吸をすることができるのは、ここだけだった。En: However, this was the only place where he could breathe deeply.Ja: 彼の傍にはいつもサクラがいた。En: Kare was always accompanied by Sakura.Ja: 彼女は優しく、落ち着いた声で話し、ハルを支えてくれる。En: She spoke in a gentle, calm voice, supporting Haru.Ja: サクラは看護師であり、ハルの友でもある。En: Sakura was a nurse and also Haru's friend.Ja: 彼女はハルに言った。「今日はセラピーがあるわ。なんでも話してごらん。」En: She told Haru, "You have therapy today. Talk about anything you'd like."Ja: ハルはうなずいたが、心の中では葛藤していた。En: Haru nodded, but inside, he was conflicted.Ja: 外の世界は怖かった。En: The outside world was frightening.Ja: 特に、秋になると昔の記憶が蘇り、不安が増してしまう。En: Especially in autumn, old memories would resurface, intensifying his anxiety.Ja: 彼は医者のユキ先生の下へ向かった。En: He headed to see Doctor Yuki先生{Sensei}.Ja: ユキ先生は親身になって患者の話を聞く、信頼できる医者だった。En: Dr. Yuki was a trustworthy physician who listened empathetically to her patients.Ja: ユキ先生は穏やかに話しかけた。「ハル君、今日は何について話したい？不安を和らげるには、まず自分を認めることが大切よ。」En: Dr. Yuki spoke softly, "Haru, what would you like to talk about today? To ease your anxiety, it's important to first acknowledge yourself."Ja: ハルは話し始めた。幼少期の秋の思い出、家族と過ごした楽しい日々。En: Haru began to speak about his childhood autumn memories and the joyful days spent with family.Ja: しかし、ある日突然すべてが変わった場所。En: However, one day everything suddenly changed.Ja: それが不安の始まり。En: That was the beginning of his anxiety.Ja: 涙が出そうになったが、ハルは耐えた。En: Though he felt tears coming, Haru held them back.Ja: セラピーが進むにつれて、ハルは自分の中にある痛みを直視することになった。En: As the therapy progressed, Haru had to confront the pain within himself.Ja: ユキ先生の安全な空間で、彼は初めてその記憶に声を与えることができた。En: In the safe space provided by Dr. Yuki, he could, for the first time, give voice to those memories.Ja: 「あの時、僕は弱かった。でも今は、少しずつ強くなっている気がする。」En: "Back then, I was weak. But now, I feel like I'm growing stronger, little by little."Ja: セラピーを終えた後、ハルは病棟の庭に出た。En: After therapy, Haru stepped into the garden of the ward.Ja: 冷たい風が顔を撫で、降り積もる枯れ葉の香りがした。En: A cold wind brushed his face, and he smelled the scent of fallen leaves.Ja: 彼は一歩踏み出すと、秋空を見上げた。En: Taking a step forward, he looked up at the autumn sky.Ja: 空は高く、広がっていた。En: The sky was vast and expansive.Ja: その瞬間、ハルは微かに微笑んだ。En: At that moment, Haru faintly smiled.Ja: 彼はサクラに言った。「僕はこれから、変わろうと思う。少しずつだけど。」En: He told Sakura, "I think I'm going to change from now on, little by little."Ja: サクラはうれしそうに頷いた。En: Sakura nodded happily.Ja: 「その一歩が大事よ、ハル。」En: "That first step is important, Haru."Ja: ハルは心の中で決意した。自分の恐怖を受け入れ、それを力に変える。En: Haru resolved in his heart to accept his fears and turn them into strength.Ja: 彼はこれからも続く秋の風景の中で、自分を取り戻していくのだった。En: Amidst the ongoing autumn landscape, he would reclaim himself.Ja: 雲の間から硬い陽光が差し込み、彼の心にも暖かさが届く。En: The hard sunlight pierced through the clouds, reaching his heart with warmth.Ja: それが、ハルの新しい一歩の始まりだった。En: This was the beginning of Haru's new step forward.Ja: 彼の心に平和の兆しが見えた。En: There was a hint of peace in his heart.Ja: この先にある希望に向けて、少しずつ歩みを進めていくのだろう。En: He would continue to take steps toward the hope that lay ahead. Vocabulary Words:filtering: 木漏れ日rustle: カリカリplagued: 苛まれていたanxiety: 不安swaying: 揺れ動くaccompanied: 傍conflicted: 葛藤していたresurface: 蘇るempathetically: 親身acknowledge: 認めるjoyful: 楽しいconfront: 直視するsafe space: 安全な空間tears: 涙faintly: 微かにresolve: 決意するreclaim: 取り戻すhint: 兆しpeace: 平和therapist: セラピストphysician: 医者autumn leaves: 紅葉breathe deeply: 深く呼吸するscattered: 舞い散るsupporting: 支えてくれるintensifying: 増してしまうvast: 広がっていたexpansive: 高くstep forward: 一歩踏み出すhard sunlight: 硬い陽光

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Shibuya Dreams: A School Festival Reinvented Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-10-16-07-38-20-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 東京の街中は、秋の風に心地よく包まれていました。En: The streets of Tokyo were pleasantly enveloped in the autumn breeze.Ja: 渋谷スクランブル交差点では、色とりどりのビルボードが輝き、人々の流れが絶えません。En: At the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the colorful billboards gleamed, and the flow of people was unending.Ja: この賑やかな風景の中で、高校生のハルトとユキは次の学園祭の計画について議論していました。En: Amidst this lively scene, high school students Haruto and Yuki were discussing plans for the upcoming school festival.Ja: ハルトは生徒会のメンバーで、イベントの成功に情熱を持っています。En: Haruto was a member of the student council and was passionate about making the event a success.Ja: 「今年の学園祭は最高のものにしたい。En: "I want this year's school festival to be the best.Ja: 地元の企業からのスポンサーも目指しているし」と、ハルトは意気込んで言いました。En: I'm also aiming for sponsorships from local businesses," Haruto said enthusiastically.Ja: 一方、ユキは自由な発想を持つクリエイティブな友達です。En: On the other hand, Yuki was a creative friend with a free-spirited mindset.Ja: 「伝統的なものもいいけど、新しいアイデアを取り入れたらどう？En: "Traditional things are good, but what if we incorporate some new ideas?Ja: 例えば、野外ミュージカルとか！En: For example, an outdoor musical!"Ja: 」とユキは提案しました。En: Yuki proposed.Ja: ハルトは少し不安になりました。En: Haruto looked a bit anxious.Ja: 「ユキ、確かに面白そうだけど、スポンサーや学校がそれを受け入れてくれるかどうか分からないよ」。En: "Yuki, it certainly sounds interesting, but I'm not sure if sponsors and the school will accept it."Ja: 彼は伝統と安全性を重視しているのです。En: He prioritized tradition and safety.Ja: しかし、二人は交差点のにぎわいの中で立ち止まり、真剣に話し合い始めました。En: However, the two stopped amidst the bustling crossing and began to have a serious discussion.Ja: ユキは続けて、「でも、いつもと同じでは目立たないと思うよ。En: Yuki continued, "But I think it won't stand out if it's the same as always.Ja: チャレンジしないと、新しいものは生まれないよ」と主張しました。En: If we don't challenge ourselves, nothing new will come about."Ja: その言葉にハルトは悩み始めました。En: Yuki's words made Haruto begin to ponder.Ja: 騒がしい街の中心で、ハルトは内なる恐怖と向き合いました。En: In the heart of the noisy city, Haruto faced his internal fears.Ja: 「もし失敗したらどうしよう。En: "What if we fail?Ja: でも、ユキの言う通り、何か新しいことを試みる価値はあるんだろうか。En: But as Yuki says, is it worth trying something new?"Ja: 」彼の心は揺れていました。En: His heart was wavering.Ja: とうとう、ハルトは決断しました。En: Finally, Haruto made a decision.Ja: 「わかった、ユキ。En: "Alright, Yuki.Ja: 君のアイデアを少し取り入れてみよう。En: Let's incorporate some of your ideas.Ja: でも、スポンサーが安心できるように、伝統的な要素も残そう」と言いました。En: But we'll also keep traditional elements so that sponsors can feel reassured," he said.Ja: 二人は笑顔で頷き合いました。En: The two nodded to each other with smiles.Ja: ハルトはユキの創造力を大切にしながら、実行可能性を見つけたのです。En: Haruto found feasibility while valuing Yuki's creativity.Ja: これで、彼は新しいアプローチに自信を持てるようになりました。En: With this, he became confident in a new approach.Ja: そして、学園祭当日。En: Then came the day of the school festival.Ja: 渋谷のように賑やかなイベントが開催され、みんなが楽しんでいました。En: The event was as lively as Shibuya, and everyone was enjoying it.Ja: ハルトは、実行委員長として自分の成長を感じ、ユキのアイデアが成功裏に終わったことを誇らしく思いました。En: Haruto felt his growth as the executive committee chairman and was proud that Yuki's ideas ended successfully.Ja: 秋の空の下で、二人の友情はさらに深まり、スクランブル交差点のように、多くの道が交わりながら新しい未来を予感させていました。En: Under the autumn sky, their friendship deepened even further, and like the Scramble Crossing, many paths intertwined, hinting at a new future. Vocabulary Words:enveloped: 包まれてgleamed: 輝きlively: 賑やかなpassionate: 情熱sponsorships: スポンサーenthusiastically: 意気込んでcreative: クリエイティブfree-spirited: 自由な発想incorporate: 取り入れるanxious: 不安traditional: 伝統的なprioritized: 重視bustling: にぎわいchallenge: チャレンジponder: 悩むfaced: 向き合うinternal: 内なるwavering: 揺れるfeasibility: 実行可能性valuing: 大切にexecutive: 実行委員長growth: 成長intertwined: 交わりhinting: 予感させるupcoming: 次のsafety: 安全性proposed: 提案しましたreassured: 安心musical: ミュージカルserious: 真剣に

Love the show? Have any thoughts? Click here to let us know!This week, we dive into one of Japan's most chilling and disturbing cases. Lauren takes us into the twisted world of Futoshi Matsunaga, a man who manipulated, tortured, and terrorized those around him with frightening control. Known for his charisma that masked pure evil, Matsunaga's crimes left Japan reeling and earned him the title of one of the country's most notorious killers. From psychological manipulation to financial exploitation, Lauren unravels the dark tactics he used to maintain his terrifying grip on his victims. Join us as we shed light on a story of fear, control, and horror that continues to haunt true crime history.--Follow us on Social Media and find out how to support A Scary State by clicking on our Link Tree: https://instabio.cc/4050223uxWQAl--Have a scary tale or listener story of your own? Send us an email to ascarystatepodcast@gmail.com! We can't wait to read it!--Thinking of starting a podcast? Thinking about using Buzzsprout for that? Well use our link to let Buzzsprout know we sent you and get a $20 Amazon gift card if you sign up for a paid plan!https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1722892--Works cited!https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Dq_0tJvFgEFuU1ZpZQ3E_LcuLc-RrTML8fSt9ILWb6k/edit?usp=sharing --Intro and outro music thanks to Kevin MacLeod. You can visit his site here: http://incompetech.com/. Which is where we found our music!

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Moonlit Bonds: A Cultural Tribute at Yokosuka Base Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-10-15-07-38-20-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 横須賀基地の朝、海風が涼しく、秋の始まりを感じさせました。En: On a morning at Yokosuka Base, the sea breeze was cool, hinting at the start of autumn.Ja: 若い海軍将校のハルトが基地の中を歩いていました。En: A young naval officer, Haru, was walking through the base.Ja: 彼は静かに自分の文化と繋がりたいという気持ちを抱えています。En: Quietly, he harbored a desire to connect with his culture.Ja: 「お月見をしよう」と彼は思いました。En: "Let's have an otsukimi," he thought.Ja: 文化を共有し、仲間とのつながりを強めたいのです。En: He wanted to share his culture and strengthen ties with his comrades.Ja: しかし、上司は「そんなことは必要ない」と言います。En: However, his superior said, "That's unnecessary."Ja: 限られた資源でどうにかしなければいけません。En: They needed to manage with limited resources.Ja: 基地内の倉庫で、ハルトは仲間のユキとサトシに相談しました。En: In the base's warehouse, Haru consulted with his peers Yuki and Satoshi.Ja: 「一緒にお月見の準備をしよう」　と、彼は話しました。En: "Let's prepare for otsukimi together," he said.Ja: 「いいね、手伝うよ」とサトシが言いました。En: "Sounds good, I'll help," said Satoshi.Ja: 「彼らに日本の文化を見せてあげよう」En: "Let's show them Japanese culture."Ja: ハルトたちは基地の近くの店に装飾品を買いに行きました。En: Haru and his friends went to a nearby store to buy decorations.Ja: 秋の葉、すすき、提灯を手に入れようとしました。En: They tried to get autumn leaves, pampas grass, and lanterns.Ja: しかし、その装飾品の船便が遅れていることを知ります。En: However, they learned that the shipment of those decorations was delayed.Ja: 「どうしようか」とユキが心配そうに尋ねました。En: "What should we do?" Yuki asked worriedly.Ja: それでもハルトは諦めませんでした。En: Still, Haru did not give up.Ja: 「手作りでやろう」とハルトが提案しました。En: "Let's make them ourselves," proposed Haru.Ja: みんなで集めた材料を使って、自分たちで装飾を作り始めました。En: Using materials they gathered, they started creating their own decorations.Ja: 夜が訪れ、月が高く昇りました。En: Night came, and the moon rose high.Ja: 砂浜に手作りの提灯が並べられ、すすきが風になびいています。En: Handcrafted lanterns were lined up on the beach, pampas grass swaying in the wind.Ja: 見守る上司も「素敵だね」と驚いていました。En: Even their observing superior was surprised and said, "This is wonderful."Ja: 「文化の交流は大切なんだな」と上司が認めてくれました。En: "Exchanging culture is important," acknowledged the superior.Ja: ハルトは、友達と共に月を見ながら、心の中で感謝の気持ちが溢れました。En: Haru, gazing at the moon with his friends, felt a surge of gratitude within his heart.Ja: 彼は日本文化を共有できたことと、仲間たちと新たな絆を築けたことに満足しました。En: He was satisfied to have shared Japanese culture and forged new bonds with his comrades.Ja: 秋の静かな夜、横須賀は柔らかな月光に包まれ、始まりの時を彷彿とさせ、心が温かくなりました。En: On that quiet autumn night, Yokosuka was enveloped in soft moonlight, reminiscent of the beginning, warming their hearts.Ja: これからもこの思い出が彼の心の中で輝き続けることでしょう。En: This memory will surely continue to shine in his heart. Vocabulary Words:breeze: 風hinting: 感じさせるsuperior: 上司manage: どうにかするresources: 資源warehouse: 倉庫consulted: 相談したpeers: 仲間decorations: 装飾品autumn leaves: 秋の葉pampas grass: すすきlanterns: 提灯shipment: 船便delayed: 遅れているproposed: 提案したhandcrafted: 手作りswaying: なびいているobserving: 見守るwonderful: 素敵exchanging: 交流acknowledged: 認めてくれたgratitude: 感謝surge: 溢れるforged: 築けたcomrades: 仲間たちenveloped: 包まれsoft: 柔らかなreminiscent: 彷彿とさせbonds: 絆glow: 輝き続ける

Up All Night, the cult-favorite late-night movie showcase hosted by Rhonda Shear that lit up USA Network from 1989 to 1998, is making its long-awaited return.The revival comes through a partnership between Shear Enterprises, LLC and Kings of Horror, a streaming platform with over 1.5 million subscribers. The new Up All Night once again hosted by Rhonda Shear premieres October 25-just in time for Halloween-with monthly specials to follow featuring surprise celebrity guests. Viewers can watch at www.kingsofhorror.com."Up All Night was never just a show-it was an attitude... and maybe a little eyeliner, cleavage, and sarcasm," said Shear. "Now we're back-louder, sassier, and somehow even funnier. Teaming up with Kings of Horror means we're not just dusting off VHS tapes-we're throwing a full-on horror house party at my Shear Media Studios in Tampa Bay on custom nostalgia-dipped sets. We've got a killer team of writers, comedians, and production partners ready to unleash all-new skits, twisted characters, and laugh-your-ass-off moments.""We're thrilled to bring Rhonda and Up All Night into the Kings of Horror family," said Richard Signeski, CEO of Blue Sky Media, LLC, the parent company of Kings of Horror. "This partnership blends her legendary fan base with our global horror community-and together we're building something special."The series will spotlight indie horror from grassroots DIY to festival standouts, alongside cult classics and premieres. The creative team includes scream queens Linnea Quigley and Felissa Rose, musician John Brennan, special guest /comedic actor Yuki, and filmmaker Richard Gabai.Not only will this show reconnect Rhonda with her legions of Up All Night fans, it will also introduce her to a new generation who discovered her as the award-winning lingerie mogul behind Rhonda Shear Intimates and the Ahh Bra infomercial sensation."I can't believe Up All Night premiered 30 years ago-this new incarnation is going to blow my longtime fans out of the water-and trust me, we will be dragging a whole new generation into some late-night chaos they didn't know they needed," exclaimed Shear.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-unplugged-totally-uncut--994165/support.

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Embracing Change: A Journey from Routine to Renewal Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-10-13-07-38-20-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 秋のある朝、東京駅はいつものように混雑していた。En: One autumn morning, Tokyo Station was as crowded as usual.Ja: 人々は急いで電車に乗り込み、忙しそうに行き交っていた。En: People hurried to board the trains, bustling about with a busy air.Ja: 空気はひんやりとしていて、イチョウの木々は黄金色の葉を落としていた。En: The atmosphere was chilly, and the ginkgo trees were shedding their golden leaves.Ja: ヒロシは、毎日のように変わらない日々を過ごしていた。En: Hiroshi was spending his days in an unchanging routine, as he did every day.Ja: 30代半ばのサラリーマンで、安定した生活を送っていた。En: He was a salaried worker in his mid-30s, leading a stable life.Ja: しかし、彼の心はどこか満たされていなかった。En: However, his heart felt unfulfilled.Ja: 「何かを変えたい」と感じているが、どうやって始めればいいのかわからなかった。En: He felt the desire to "change something," but he didn't know how to start.Ja: その時、ホームで人混みの中から懐かしい顔を見つけた。En: At that moment, he spotted a familiar face in the crowd on the platform.Ja: ユキだった。En: It was Yuki.Ja: 彼女は昔の友人で、フリーランスのカメラマンとして活躍していた。En: She was an old friend and was thriving as a freelance photographer.Ja: 彼女は常に新しいことに挑戦するのが好きで、自然な笑顔とともにヒロシに近づいた。En: She always liked to take on new challenges and approached Hiroshi with her natural smile.Ja: 「ヒロシ！久しぶり！」ユキは笑いながら声をかけた。En: "Hiroshi! Long time no see!" Yuki called out with a laugh.Ja: 「ユキ！本当に久しぶりだね。元気だった？」ヒロシは驚きと喜びでいっぱいだった。En: "Yuki! It has really been a long time. How have you been?" Hiroshi was filled with surprise and joy.Ja: 二人はしばらく互いの近況を話していた。En: The two spent some time catching up with each other.Ja: ユキは最近撮影した素晴らしい景色や、新しいプロジェクトについて話し続けた。En: Yuki kept talking about the amazing landscapes she had recently photographed and her new projects.Ja: 彼女の話を聞いているうちに、ヒロシは彼女の自由な生き方に触発されていた。En: As he listened to her stories, Hiroshi was inspired by her free-spirited way of life.Ja: 駅のアナウンスが次の電車の到着を知らせた。En: The station announcement notified the arrival of the next train.Ja: その時、ユキは突然提案した。「ねえ、今週末、一緒に写真を撮りに行かない？素晴らしい景色があるところを知ってるの！」En: At that moment, Yuki suddenly suggested, "Hey, why don't we go out this weekend to take some photos? I know a place with a great view!"Ja: ヒロシの心は揺れた。En: Hiroshi's heart wavered.Ja: 仕事もあるし、計画もなかった。En: He had work and no plans.Ja: だが、ユキと一緒に過ごした青春の思い出がよみがえる。En: However, memories of youthful days spent with Yuki resurfaced.Ja: 「何か新しいことを始めなければ」と心のどこかで囁いていた。En: Somewhere in his heart, there was a whisper saying, "I need to start something new."Ja: 電車がホームに滑り込んでくる。En: The train slid into the platform.Ja: ヒロシは決意した。En: Hiroshi made up his mind.Ja: 彼は大きく息を吸い込み、ユキに微笑んで言った。「行こう。新しいことに挑戦してみるよ。」En: He took a deep breath, smiled at Yuki, and said, "Let's go. I'll try something new."Ja: その瞬間、ヒロシの中で何かが変わった。En: In that moment, something changed within Hiroshi.Ja: 完璧ではない人生でも、少しの勇気と冒険心があれば、新しい自分を見つけられるかもしれない。En: Even in an imperfect life, with a little courage and a spirit of adventure, he might be able to find a new self.Ja: 彼はユキと一緒に電車に乗り込み、未知の旅路へと向かった。En: He boarded the train with Yuki, heading towards an unknown journey.Ja: 秋風が吹き抜けるホームを後にしながら、ヒロシは未来の可能性に胸を躍らせた。En: As they left the platform with the autumn wind blowing through, Hiroshi's heart was filled with excitement about the possibilities of the future.Ja: 彼は初めて、本当の意味で自分を探す旅に出る準備ができていた。En: For the first time, he was truly ready to embark on a journey to discover himself. Vocabulary Words:autumn: 秋crowded: 混雑してhurried: 急いでbustling: 行き交っていたatmosphere: 空気shedding: 落としていたunchanging: 変わらないroutine: 日々salaried worker: サラリーマンstable: 安定したunfulfilled: 満たされていなかったthriving: 活躍していたfreelance: フリーランスchallenges: 挑戦するcatching up: 近況を話してlandscapes: 景色inspired: 触発されてannouncement: アナウンスarrival: 到着suggested: 提案したwavered: 揺れたresurfaced: よみがえるremembering: 思い出がwhisper: 囁いていたslid: 滑り込んでくるunknown journey: 未知の旅路embark: 出る準備ができていたpossibilities: 可能性excitement: 胸を躍らせたspirit of adventure: 冒険心

Up All Night, the cult-favorite late-night movie showcase hosted by Rhonda Shear that lit up USA Network from 1989 to 1998, is making its long-awaited return.The revival comes through a partnership between Shear Enterprises, LLC and Kings of Horror, a streaming platform with over 1.5 million subscribers. The new Up All Night once again hosted by Rhonda Shear premieres October 25-just in time for Halloween-with monthly specials to follow featuring surprise celebrity guests. Viewers can watch at www.kingsofhorror.com."Up All Night was never just a show-it was an attitude... and maybe a little eyeliner, cleavage, and sarcasm," said Shear. "Now we're back-louder, sassier, and somehow even funnier. Teaming up with Kings of Horror means we're not just dusting off VHS tapes-we're throwing a full-on horror house party at my Shear Media Studios in Tampa Bay on custom nostalgia-dipped sets. We've got a killer team of writers, comedians, and production partners ready to unleash all-new skits, twisted characters, and laugh-your-ass-off moments.""We're thrilled to bring Rhonda and Up All Night into the Kings of Horror family," said Richard Signeski, CEO of Blue Sky Media, LLC, the parent company of Kings of Horror. "This partnership blends her legendary fan base with our global horror community-and together we're building something special."The series will spotlight indie horror from grassroots DIY to festival standouts, alongside cult classics and premieres. The creative team includes scream queens Linnea Quigley and Felissa Rose, musician John Brennan, special guest /comedic actor Yuki, and filmmaker Richard Gabai.Not only will this show reconnect Rhonda with her legions of Up All Night fans, it will also introduce her to a new generation who discovered her as the award-winning lingerie mogul behind Rhonda Shear Intimates and the Ahh Bra infomercial sensation."I can't believe Up All Night premiered 30 years ago-this new incarnation is going to blow my longtime fans out of the water-and trust me, we will be dragging a whole new generation into some late-night chaos they didn't know they needed," exclaimed Shear.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-like-it-s-live--4113802/support.

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Embrace Your Dreams: An Autumn Tale of Passion and Choice Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-10-12-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 秋のある午後、ハルトとユキはサバンナ川沿いを歩いていました。En: One autumn afternoon, Harto and Yuki were walking along the Savanna River.Ja: 川の流れは穏やかで、カラフルな秋の葉が一緒に風に舞っていました。En: The flow of the river was calm, and colorful autumn leaves danced in the wind.Ja: 石畳の道は、散歩や反省をするのにぴったりな場所でした。En: The cobblestone path was a perfect place for a walk and reflection.Ja: ハルトは悩んでいました。En: Harto was troubled.Ja: 彼は安定した仕事に就いていましたが、自分の情熱を追いたくなっていました。En: He had a stable job, but he wanted to pursue his passion.Ja: 「情熱を追うべきか、安定を選ぶべきか」と常に考えていました。En: He constantly thought, "Should I chase my passion, or should I choose stability?"Ja: ユキはエネルギッシュで楽観的です。En: Yuki was energetic and optimistic.Ja: 「ハルト、近頃どうして元気がないの？」とユキが聞きました。En: "Harto, why have you seemed down lately?" Yuki asked.Ja: 「少し心配なんだ。何か問題でもあるの？」En: "I'm a bit worried. Is there something wrong?"Ja: ハルトはため息をつき、勇気を出して言いました。「仕事に悩んでいるんだ。En: Harto sighed and, gathering his courage, said, "I'm struggling with my job.Ja: 夢を追いたいけど、安定も大事なんだ。En: I want to pursue my dreams, but stability is important too.Ja: どうすればいいのか、わからなくて」En: I don't know what to do."Ja: ユキは明るく答えました。「人生は一度きりだよ、ハルト！En: Yuki replied brightly, "You only live once, Harto!Ja: 情熱を追うのを怖がらないで。En: Don't be afraid to chase your passion.Ja: リスクを取ることで、本当に欲しいものが見つかるかもしれないよ」En: By taking risks, you might find what you truly want."Ja: ユキの言葉は、ハルトの心を揺さぶりました。En: Yuki's words stirred something in Harto's heart.Ja: 彼は自分の気持ちを素直に語り始めました。En: He began to speak honestly about his feelings.Ja: 「安定は安心だけど、退屈も感じるんだ。En: "Stability is comforting, but I also feel bored.Ja: 心の底から幸せじゃない気がする」En: I don't think I'm truly happy deep down."Ja: ユキは頷きました。En: Yuki nodded.Ja: 「新しい挑戦は怖いけど、やってみてわかることもあるよ。En: "New challenges are scary, but you learn things by trying.Ja: それに、いつでも戻ることはできる」En: Besides, you can always go back if you need to."Ja: この友人の元気な言葉に触発され、ハルトは決心を固めました。En: Inspired by his friend's energetic words, Harto made up his mind.Ja: 「ユキ、ありがとう。En: "Thank you, Yuki.Ja: よし、やってみるよ！夢に向かってチャレンジする！」En: Alright, I'll go for it! I'll challenge myself and pursue my dream!"Ja: 二人は美しい景色を眺めながら、笑顔で未来の展望を話し合いました。En: As they looked at the beautiful scenery, the two talked with smiles about their future outlooks.Ja: ハルトは心の中で新しい希望を感じ、ユキの支えに感謝しました。En: Harto felt a new hope in his heart and was grateful for Yuki's support.Ja: 彼は今、恐れずに一歩を踏み出そうとしていました。En: He was now ready to take a step forward without fear.Ja: 川の流れは、彼の新たな決意を祝福しているかのように、ゆっくりと続いていました。En: The flow of the river continued slowly, as if blessing his new resolve.Ja: ハルトの心もまた、その流れに乗って静かに進んでいく決意を固めていました。En: Harto's heart, too, was firmly set on quietly moving forward with that flow. Vocabulary Words:autumn: 秋reflection: 反省cobblestone: 石畳troubled: 悩んでいましたstable: 安定したpursue: 追うpassion: 情熱courage: 勇気struggling: 悩んでいるstability: 安定optimistic: 楽観的energetic: エネルギッシュrisks: リスクbored: 退屈challenges: 挑戦inspired: 触発されsupport: 支えresolve: 決意outlooks: 展望scenery: 景色sigh: ため息afraid: 怖がらないgrateful: 感謝honestly: 素直にfear: 恐れfirmly: 固めてcalm: 穏やかdanced: 舞っていましたlearn: わかるblessing: 祝福

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Capturing Connection: An Amalfi Festival Adventure Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-10-11-07-38-20-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 海が輝くアマルフィ海岸の秋、街はカラフルな家々で溢れ、崖の上から美しい景色が広がっていました。En: In the autumn of the Amalfi Coast, where the sea sparkles, the town is filled with colorful houses and from the top of the cliffs, a beautiful landscape unfolds.Ja: 道は狭くて曲がりくねり、澄んだ秋の空気にはシトラスの香りと、楽しげなイタリア音楽が混ざっていました。En: The roads are narrow and winding, and the clear autumn air is infused with the scent of citrus and joyful Italian music.Ja: ここで暮らす日本人、春人（はると）は、孤独な旅行写真家としての生活に少しの寂しさを抱えながらも、美しい瞬間をカメラに収めることを楽しんでいました。En: Living here is Haruto, a Japanese travel photographer who, while feeling a bit lonely in his solitary life, enjoys capturing beautiful moments with his camera.Ja: 今日は、地域の祭りが開催されており、彼はその秋の精神を表現する完璧な瞬間を探していました。En: Today, a local festival was taking place, and he was searching for the perfect moment to capture the spirit of autumn.Ja: その頃、日本から訪れた雪（ゆき）と彼女の幼馴染さくらが祭りを見に来ていました。En: Around this time, Yuki and her childhood friend Sakura, visiting from Japan, had come to see the festival.Ja: 雪は新しい小説のインスピレーションを求めてヨーロッパを旅していましたが、何かしらの創造の糸口をつかめずにいました。En: Yuki was traveling through Europe seeking inspiration for her new novel, but she was struggling to find a creative spark.Ja: さくらは彼女を元気づけるために一緒に歩いてくれました。En: Sakura accompanied her to cheer her up.Ja: 祭りは賑やかで、色とりどりの衣装と活気に満ちていました。En: The festival was lively, full of colorful costumes and vibrant energy.Ja: でも、春人は何かが欠けていると感じていました。En: Yet, Haruto felt something was missing.Ja: 彼の背後では、イタリア語の喧騒が響き、言葉の壁が彼を孤立させていました。En: Behind him, the clamor of Italian voices echoed, causing him to feel isolated by the language barrier.Ja: そんな時、彼は偶然、雪とさくらに出会いました。En: At that moment, he happened upon Yuki and Sakura.Ja: 彼らに苦笑しながら話しかけ、「助けてくれませんか」と頼みました。En: Smiling wryly, he approached them and asked for their help.Ja: 普段は独りで働くのを好む彼も、この時ばかりは人の力を借りることに決めたのです。En: Usually preferring to work alone, Haruto decided to rely on someone else's strength just this once.Ja: さくらの明るさが緊張をほぐし、雪の柔らかい笑顔が空気を和ませました。En: Sakura's cheerful demeanor eased the tension, and Yuki's gentle smile lightened the mood.Ja: 祭りの最中、彼らの自然な笑顔と楽しげな姿は、春人が探し求めていた瞬間そのものでした。En: Amidst the festival, their natural smiles and joyful presence were the exact moment Haruto had been searching for.Ja: カメラのシャッターを切ると、それはキャンバスを見事に飾る絵になるとすぐに分かりました。En: As he clicked the shutter on his camera, he immediately knew it would become a wonderfully adorned piece on his canvas.Ja: 後日、春人の写真は大きなプロジェクトの中心作品となり、その瞬間が雪の創作の情熱を再燃させました。En: Later on, Haruto's photos became the central part of a major project, and that moment rekindled Yuki's passion for creation.Ja: そして、春人自身も、ただ一人で美を追い求めるのではなく、誰かと共有することの喜びを知りました。En: Haruto himself realized the joy of sharing beauty with someone rather than pursuing it alone.Ja: 雪は新たなインスピレーションに満たされ、笑顔で日本へ帰って行きました。En: Filled with new inspiration, Yuki returned to Japan with a smile.Ja: さくらは楽しい思い出を胸に、友人を大切にすることを誓いました。En: Sakura vowed to cherish her friends, carrying with her the fun memories they made.Ja: 春人は、もう一度海を見ました。En: Once more, Haruto gazed at the sea.Ja: 今度はその波の下に、新しい友情の波を感じました。En: This time, beneath the waves, he sensed a ripple of new friendship.Ja: 彼は孤独ではないと気づいたのです。En: He realized he wasn't alone.Ja: 秋の風は優しく吹き、未来への希望を知らせました。En: The autumn breeze blew gently, signaling hope for the future.Ja: そうして、彼らの人生はアマルフィ海岸の美しい風景と共に、新たな物語となって続いていったのです。En: Thus, their lives continued with a new story alongside the beautiful scenery of the Amalfi Coast. Vocabulary Words:sparkles: 輝くcliffs: 崖infused: 混ざるscent: 香りsolitary: 孤独なmoments: 瞬間festival: 祭りperfect: 完璧なcapture: 収めるstruggling: つかめずcreative: 創造のspark: 糸口cheer: 元気づけるlively: 賑やかvibrant: 活気costumes: 衣装clamor: 喧騒wryly: 苦笑rely: 借りるdemeanor: 明るさeased: ほぐしgentle: 柔らかいshutter: シャッターadorned: 飾るrekindled: 再燃させましたpursuing: 追い求めるinspiration: インスピレーションcherish: 大切にするripple: 波breeze: 風

Our guest in this episode is Emma Möller, an AI strategist and former diplomat with a fascinating journey from a small village in Sweden to the forefront of global technology strategy. Emma helps leaders navigate the complex systems of AI, drawing on her deep understanding of how the frameworks we build shape our human reality. In our chat, we explore how to embrace AI's potential with a principled and human-centered approach. Key points discussed include:* Design AI systems with intention, recognizing they actively shape our reality and lived experience.* Avoid “intellectual laziness” by using AI as a partner for inquiry, not a replacement for curiosity.* Cultivate your human curiosity through diverse learning to expand your awareness and unlock AI's creative potential.Listen to the podcast to find out more.Innovabiz Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Show Notes from this episode with Emma G Moller, LumieraIt was a true privilege to welcome Emma Möller, an AI strategist and former diplomat, to the InnovaBuzz podcast. Her journey is as fascinating as her insights, taking her from a small village of 60 people in northern Sweden, deeply connected to nature, to the complex, human-made systems of international policy and now, artificial intelligence. Our conversation was a masterclass in how to approach the incredible power of AI not with blind optimism or fear, but with a principled, human-centered curiosity that feels both vital and reassuring in this rapidly changing world.Emma's perspective is shaped by a profound understanding that the systems we design, be they legal, economic, or technological, fundamentally create the reality we inhabit. She spoke of feeling a disconnect between the rich, sensory experience of her childhood and the generalized, often biased frameworks of the modern world. This lens is what makes her approach to AI so powerful; she sees it not just as code, but as a new and incredibly influential system we are building, and she urges us to be deeply intentional about what kind of reality we want it to create.The Seductive Trap of Becoming ‘Intellectually Lazy'One of the most memorable moments in our chat was when Emma warned against the subtle danger of becoming “intellectually lazy.” It's a brilliant phrase that perfectly captures the seductive ease of letting generative AI do our thinking for us. We've all felt it: the temptation to accept the first answer from ChatGPT without question, or to let it generate prose without infusing it with our own unique perspective and critical thought. Emma reminded us that these tools are often designed to agree with us, which can create an echo chamber if we're not careful.The antidote, she suggests, is to consciously maintain our curiosity and use AI as a partner for deeper inquiry, not as a replacement for it. This really resonated with me. I shared the story of how I used an AI, which I named Yuki, to help plan my recent trip to Japan. Yuki handled the logistical heavy lifting: train schedules, travel times, which freed me up to dive deeper into the history and culture. The AI built the foundation, but the curiosity, the questions, and the actual human experience remained firmly in my hands. It was a perfect example of using the technology to enhance, not diminish, our engagement with the world.The Unscheduled Joy of Getting LostThis led to another beautiful point: the importance of allowing for the unexpected. Emma spoke about how some of the best adventures and innovations come from mistakes, or from getting a little bit lost. An AI can create a perfectly optimized itinerary, but it can't schedule the serendipitous joy of stumbling upon a hidden alleyway or the creative spark that comes from a plan gone awry. If we delegate too much of our decision-making to algorithms, we risk engineering these essential human moments out of our lives.Ultimately, Emma argues that our most powerful tool for navigating the age of AI is our own awareness, which we must actively cultivate. Her advice was wonderfully simple: read books. Talk to people with different perspectives. Spend time in nature. In short, we must continually expand our own “information landscape” so that we can bring richer, more creative questions to the AI. It is, as she puts it, a “mirror of our own awareness,” and will only ever be as insightful as we are.AI as a Leadership Challenge, Not Just a Tech SolutionBringing this into the business world, Emma stressed that successful AI adoption is not a technology problem; it's a leadership and culture challenge. The leaders who are getting it right are not looking for a magic AI solution to plug in. Instead, they are focusing on the real, day-to-day problems their teams face and empowering them to find ways that AI can genuinely help. It's about creating a system for change that supports people, listens to their concerns, and fosters collaboration.This conversation with Emma Möller was a powerful reminder that while technology will continue to evolve at a dizzying pace, the core principles of human-centered progress remain the same. It's about staying curious, taking responsibility for the tools we use, and never losing sight of the fact that the goal of innovation should be to create more space for the messy, beautiful, and irreplaceable experience of being human.The Buzz - Our Innovation RoundHere are Emma's answers to the questions of our innovation round. Listen to the conversation to get the full scoop.* Innovative AI for Human Connection – Using AI to analyze an organization's data to break down internal silos and foster mutual understanding between teams.* Best AI Integration Example – Leveraging voice-to-text tools to work more efficiently, thereby creating more time for screen-free, in-person connection.* Differentiate with Connection – Stay relentlessly curious by reading books and intentionally connecting with new people to learn from their unique perspectives.ActionIf you haven't already, start using AI. Consciously create space to remain curious and make mistakes, and then go outside for a walk to enjoy nature.Reach OutYou can reach out and thank Emma on her website. She also has a wonderful newsletter called The Lumiera Loop.Links:* Website - Lumiera* Lumiera's Newsletter - The Lumiera Loop* LinkedInCool Things About Emma* She's a former diplomat and lawyer. This isn't just a career change; it's a fundamental shift in worlds. Her expertise in AI doesn't come from a typical tech background, but from a deep understanding of human systems, language, and international relations. This unique origin story frames her entire perspective on technology in a fascinating way.* She wants to translate information into smell. In a conversation about large language models and digital artifacts, her most exciting experiment is wonderfully human and unexpected. This reveals a playful, creative, and deeply sensory side that looks for understanding far beyond the screen.* She's a global citizen. Born near a ski resort in the north of Sweden, she later studied at Monash University in Melbourne (Jürgen's alma mater) and now lives and works in Lisbon, Portugal. This isn't just a list of places; it paints a picture of someone who is adaptable and thinks with a naturally global perspective.* She finds text to be an “unnatural medium.” Despite being a self-proclaimed “big fan of languages” and having a background that relied heavily on text, she has come to the conclusion that it's an artificial way for humans to communicate. This intellectual paradox is very cool; it shows she's not afraid to question the very foundations of her own past expertise.Ready to move beyond just creating content and start creating real connection?In the Age of AI, the future belongs to those who can amplify human wisdom. Flywheel Nation is MORE than a community; it's a movement for creators and visionaries dedicated to shaping a more human future.Join us as we co-create that future for ethical AI. Here you will tap into the collective wisdom of leaders who prioritize connection over automation, find powerful collaborations that elevate your impact, and help illuminate the path forward.This is your invitation to not only grow your business but to become a lighthouse for others.Join the movement. Visit innovabiz.co/flywheel to be a part of the conversation.VideoThanks for reading Innovabiz Substack! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit innovabiz.substack.com/subscribe

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Autumn Awakening: Haruka's Heartfelt Kyoto Journey Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-10-09-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 京都の秋は、美しさが一段と輝く季節です。En: Autumn in Kyoto is a season where its beauty shines even brighter.Ja: この日、春香は親友のナオとユキと一緒に清水寺を訪れていました。En: On this day, Haruka visited Kiyomizu Temple with her best friends, Nao and Yuki.Ja: 寺の周りには真っ赤な紅葉とオレンジ色に染まる木々が広がり、優しい風が吹き抜けます。En: Around the temple, there were brilliant red autumn leaves and trees dyed in orange, with a gentle breeze blowing through.Ja: 灯籠の光が静かに境内を照らし、幻想的な光景を作り出していました。En: The light from the lanterns quietly illuminated the temple grounds, creating an enchanting scene.Ja: 春香は旅を楽しむつもりでしたが、昨晩から少し体調が悪かったのです。En: Haruka intended to enjoy the trip, but she had been feeling a bit unwell since last night.Ja: でも、強い彼女は友達に心配をかけたくないと、自分で何とかしようと思いました。En: However, being a strong-willed person, she didn't want to worry her friends and thought she would manage on her own.Ja: 「大丈夫、大丈夫。少し気分が悪いだけ。」と自分に言い聞かせました。En: "I'm okay, I'm okay. It's just a little queasiness," she reassured herself.Ja: ナオとユキは、とても心配していました。En: Nao and Yuki were very concerned.Ja: 「春香、大丈夫？顔色が良くないよ。」ユキが心配そうに尋ねました。En: "Are you okay, Haruka? You don't look well," Yuki asked worriedly.Ja: 「平気だよ。」春香は微笑んで、隠そうとしました。En: "I'm fine," Haruka smiled, trying to hide it.Ja: 三人は清水の舞台へ向かいました。En: The three headed towards the stage of Kiyomizu.Ja: そこからは、京都の街並みが一望できました。En: From there, they could take in an unobstructed view of the cityscape of Kyoto.Ja: 観光客で賑わう中、春香はじっと立って、美しい景色を見ていました。En: Amidst the bustling tourists, Haruka stood still, gazing at the beautiful scenery.Ja: しかし、体のだるさがどんどん増していきました。En: However, her fatigue continued to grow.Ja: 急に、春香はふらつき、意識を失いました。En: Suddenly, Haruka felt dizzy and lost consciousness.Ja: 次の瞬間、彼女は地面に倒れ込んでいました。En: In the next moment, she had collapsed onto the ground.Ja: 「春香！」ナオとユキは驚きと緊張で駆け寄りました。En: "Haruka!" Nao and Yuki rushed over in shock and anxiety.Ja: 観光客も心配そうに彼女を見守ります。En: The tourists also watched her with concern.Ja: 「しっかりして！大丈夫、春香！」ユキは彼女の手を握りました。En: "Stay with us! You're okay, Haruka!" Yuki held her hand tightly.Ja: ナオはすぐに水を取りに走り、スタッフに助けを求めました。En: Nao immediately ran to get water and sought help from the staff.Ja: ドキドキする心臓を感じながら、春香はゆっくりと目を開けました。En: Feeling her heart pounding, Haruka slowly opened her eyes.Ja: 友達が心配そうに見つめている姿に、春香は申し訳ない気持ちでいっぱいになりました。En: Seeing her friends looking at her with worry, Haruka was filled with a sense of guilt.Ja: 「ごめんね、本当に体調が悪かった。でも、みんなに迷惑をかけたくなかったの。」春香は素直に謝りました。En: "I'm sorry, I was really feeling unwell. But I didn't want to bother you all," Haruka sincerely apologized.Ja: 「そんなことないよ。私たちは友達だよ。何でも言っていいんだから。」ナオは優しく微笑みかけました。En: "That's not true. We're friends. You can tell us anything," Nao gently smiled.Ja: 「そう、困ったときは助け合おう。」ユキも笑顔で続けました。En: "Yes, let's help each other when in trouble," Yuki added with a smile.Ja: その瞬間、春香は一人で頑張りすぎていたことに気付きました。En: In that moment, Haruka realized that she had been trying too hard on her own.Ja: そして、友達に頼ることの大切さを実感しました。En: She also felt the importance of relying on her friends.Ja: 彼女は心から感謝し、自分の素直な気持ちを伝えました。En: She expressed her heartfelt gratitude and conveyed her true feelings.Ja: その後三人はゆっくりと寺を後にしました。En: Afterwards, the three of them slowly left the temple.Ja: 秋の柔らかな光が彼女たちを優しく包み込んでいました。En: The soft autumn light gently enveloped them.Ja: 春香は、友達と一緒にいることの幸せを感じながら、心が温かくなりました。En: Haruka felt her heart warm as she cherished the happiness of being with her friends.Ja: それは、きっと一生の宝物となる思い出でした。En: It was surely a memory that would become a lifelong treasure.Ja: 春香は、これからはもっと素直でいようと決めました。どんな時でも、友情が支えてくれると信じて。En: Haruka decided from then on to be more honest with herself, believing that friendship would support her no matter what. Vocabulary Words:unwell: 体調が悪いqueasiness: 気分が悪いunobstructed: 一望できるbustling: 賑わうfatigue: だるさdizzy: ふらつきconsciousness: 意識collapse: 倒れ込むanxiety: 緊張guilt: 申し訳ない気持ちreassured: 言い聞かせるilluminate: 照らしenchanting: 幻想的なscenery: 景色pounding: ドキドキするgratitude: 感謝cherished: 心が温かくなったtreasure: 宝物enveloped: 包み込むrelying: 頼るintent: つもりunwell: 体調が悪いconsciousness: 意識entrancing: 幻想的なroused: 駆け寄るcompelled: 駆け寄るfretting: 心配adorned: 染まるone-sided: 一人で頑張る

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Discovering Ancient Family Bonds in the Ruins of Nara Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-10-08-07-38-20-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 秋の奈良の森にある古代遺跡。En: In the autumn forest of Nara, lies an ancient ruin.Ja: その空気はひんやりとし、地面は赤や金色の葉で覆われている。En: The air is chilly, and the ground is covered with red and golden leaves.Ja: 木々の間から差し込む光が、苔むした石の構造物を優しく照らしている。En: Light filters softly through the trees, gently illuminating the moss-covered stone structures.Ja: そこに、ハルカと彼女の弟カズオ、親友のユキが立っていた。En: There stood Haruka, her younger brother Kazuo, and their friend Yuki.Ja: 「ここが噂の遺跡ね。すごいなぁ。」En: This is the rumored ruin. It's amazing,Ja: ユキは目を輝かせる。En: Yuki said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.Ja: しかし、カズオは懐疑的な顔をした。En: However, Kazuo had a skeptical look.Ja: 「ほんとにそんなお守りなんてあるの？」En: Is there really such a charm?Ja: 彼は少し不安げに言った。En: he said, a bit uneasily.Ja: ハルカは決心した顔で前を向く。En: Haruka faced forward with a determined expression.Ja: 「お守りはここにあるって、家族の話でずっと言われてきたわ。En: Our family has always talked about the charm being here.Ja: 幸運をもたらす、あの守りを見つけたいの。家族のために。」En: I want to find that charm that brings good fortune, for the sake of my family.Ja: 遺跡の中は迷路のように入り組んでいた。En: The inside of the ruins was maze-like and intricate.Ja: 古い石の階段を慎重に降りつつ、ハルカは振り返り二人を見た。En: As Haruka carefully descended the old stone stairs, she turned back to look at the other two.Ja: 「大丈夫、私たちならできるよ。きっと。」En: Don't worry, we can do it. I'm sure.Ja: 三人は静かに歩を進めたが、ユキは怖々と尋ねた。En: The three quietly continued, but Yuki asked fearfully,Ja: 「ハルカ、本当に大丈夫？お化けとか、何か危険なものが出てきたりしないよね？」En: Are you really sure, Haruka? There won't be ghosts or anything dangerous, right?Ja: ハルカは微笑んで、肩を叩いた。En: Haruka smiled and patted her shoulder.Ja: 「心配しないで。私たちは一緒にいるんだから。」En: Don't worry. We're together.Ja: しばらく進むと、奥に狭い通路が見えてきた。En: After progressing for a while, a narrow passage came into view deeper in.Ja: その先には、お守りが隠れていると伝えられる場所がある。En: Beyond it was the place said to be where the charm was hidden.Ja: しかし、その道は崩れかけていた。En: However, the path was on the verge of collapse.Ja: 「行くの？」En: Are we going?Ja: カズオが問うた。En: Kazuo asked.Ja: ハルカの心は揺れる。En: Haruka wavered.Ja: しかし、彼女は家族の絆を考え、決断した。En: However, she thought of her family bonds and made a decision.Ja: 「…行かない。これ以上進むのは危険すぎる。宝よりも大事なものがある。」En: ...No, we won't go. It's too dangerous to proceed any further. There are things more important than treasure.Ja: ハルカは兄弟と親友を帰る道へ誘導した。En: Haruka led her brother and friend back toward the exit.Ja: 「家族って、一緒にいるから強いんだよね？」En: It's because we're together that family is strong, right?Ja: ユキが言うと、カズオも頷いた。En: said Yuki, and Kazuo nodded.Ja: 「そうだよね。」En: That's right.Ja: ハルカは笑顔を見せた。En: Haruka said with a smile.Ja: 三人は遺跡を離れ、秋の葉を踏みながら歩いた。En: The three left the ruins, walking over the autumn leaves.Ja: その日以来、ハルカは家族の価値を知っていた。En: Since that day, Haruka understood the value of family.Ja: 千年の謎よりも大切なもの。それは家族の絆と友の力だった。En: More precious than the mysteries of a thousand years were the bonds of family and the strength of friendship.Ja: そして、三人は紅葉の下で、暖かい気持ちで、家へと帰っていった。En: Under the autumn leaves, with warm feelings, the three returned home. Vocabulary Words:autumn: 秋ruin: 遺跡chilly: ひんやりfilters: 差し込むilluminating: 照らしているsparkling: 輝かせるcharm: お守りskeptical: 懐疑的uneasily: 不安げにdetermined: 決心したmaze-like: 迷路のようintricate: 入り組んでいたdescended: 降りつつfearfully: 怖々ghosts: お化けnarrow: 狭いverge: 崩れかけcollapse: 崩れwavered: 揺れるbonds: 絆proceed: 進むled: 誘導したexit: 出口treasure: 宝precious: 大切なmysteries: 謎strength: 力warm: 暖かいfeelings: 気持ちreturn: 帰る

On this episode of Around the OutsideIan and Mike talk one of their favorite tracks!Yuki has a new missionAnd has Hulkenburg lost his drive?Check us out on Youtube @AroundF1Enjoy the show!

Solo episode alert! In this week's episode, Zoe recaps the 2025 Baku GP. She discusses Lando's missed opportunity, Oscar's disappointing weekend, Max's impressive performance, Carlos's first podium with Williams, and Ferrari's tough time. She also discusses the 2026 F1 Sprint calendar and the rumors that Isack will be replacing Yuki at Red Bull next year. 

This episode is made possible by the generous support of our subscribers on ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠. Join us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/leviathanchronicles⁠⁠⁠⁠ to hear episodes ad free and unlock exclusive content. A flooded sub-bay leaves Captain Tulley drowning inside the disabled AJAX dive-suit. Yuki launches a dangerous maneuver in the Beluga to drain the compartment. Six hours later—just as the crew learns Samantha Kell sabotaged the ship's naviagation systems—Kasho's pirate convoy appears on radar. Abby and Yuki immediately pilot the Orca watercraft with cargo netting to foul Kasho's propellers, but Kasho still boards the Invenios, rifle to Sinclair's head, and declares himself in command. And in Luxanie, Salah decides he's finished taking orders and murders King Bashir, pocketing the mysterious red phone that links Bashir to even bigger criminal players. TO VIEW THE BLUEPRINTS OF THE INVENIOS GOTO INVENIOSEXPEDITIONS.COM/BLUEPRINTS⁠ To discover more podcasts set in The Leviathan Universe go to leviathanaudioproductions.com⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠follow us social on media⁠⁠ Written, Directed & Created by Christof Laputka Executive Produced by Amish Jani Produced by Robin Shore Original Music by Luke Allen Editing by Luke Allen and Robin Shore Sound Design by Jonathon Stevens and Robin Shore Casting by Claire Dodin Starring Matt Shale as Captain Jeffery Tulley John Patrick Higgins as Oberlin St. Claire Laura Post as Abigail Eventon Justice Slocum as Gibson Donahue Stephanie Wong as Yuki Yamamoto Kim Donovan as Macallan Orsel BK Philips as King Omar Bashir Isaac Robinson-Smith as Captain Mohammed Salah Lex Daemon as Captain Sonny Kasho Georgina Elizabeth Okon as Axado Michael Pizzuto as Archie Paul Hikari as William Tammy Klein as Cecilia Brittany Cox as Sarina Christopher Swindle as Edward Time Winters as Sinclair Melissa Medina as The Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is made possible by the generous support of our subscribers on ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠. Join us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/leviathanchronicles⁠⁠⁠⁠ to hear episodes ad free and unlock exclusive content. The Invenios tears down the Red Sea at full Trident speed—until a sudden systems blackout and a rogue storm pitch the ship into chaos. As Oberlin fights useless helm controls, Yuki struggles to keep the Beluga minisub from breaking loose. When a fifty-foot wave slams the expedition pontoon, the Beluga rolls, trapping Yuki and jamming the retraction pistons. With the ship one swell away from shearing apart, Tulley gambles on a desperate plan to save the Invenios. TO VIEW THE BLUEPRINTS OF THE INVENIOS GOTO ⁠⁠INVENIOSEXPEDITIONS.COM/BLUEPRINTS⁠ To discover more podcasts set in The Leviathan Universe go to leviathanaudioproductions.com⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠follow us social on media⁠⁠ Written, Directed & Created by Christof Laputka Executive Produced by Amish Jani Produced by Robin Shore Original Music by Luke Allen and Lindsay Jones Editing by Luke Allen and Robin Shore Sound Design by Jonathon Stevens and Robin Shore Casting by Claire Dodin Starring Kim Donovan as Macallan Orsel Matt Shale as Captain Jeffery Tulley John Patrick Higgins as Oberlin St. Claire Laura Post as Abigail Eventon Justice Slocum as Gibson Donahue Stephanie Wong as Yuki Yamamoto Melissa Medina as The Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey HBs! We're here with part 2 of HONEY GIRL by Morgan Rogers! We get a little more about Yuki, an impressive Houdini, and an HFN? Content warning for undiagnosed and untreated mental illness, depression/anxiety, and self harm. Lady Loves: Mel: Skipping segments! Sabrina: this instant pot primavera pasta recipe! Curious about the ridiculous faces we make? Subscribe and watch us on YOUTUBE! This Friday on Patreon and our Apple Podcasts sub, we're squeeing about the 4th book in the Relic series LOST IN AMBER by Maz Maddox. Want to tell us a story, ask about advertising, or anything else? Email: heavingbosomspodcast (at) gmail  Follow our socials:  Instagram @heavingbosoms | Tiktok @heaving_bosoms | Bluesky: @heavingbosoms.com | Threads: @heavingbosoms   Facebook group: the Heaving Bosoms Geriatric Friendship Cult Credits: Theme Music: Brittany Pfantz  Art: Author Kate Prior The above contains affiliate links, which means that when purchasing through them, the podcast gets a small percentage without costing you a penny more.