Podcasts about Yuki

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Tundra Adventure: A Lesson in Discovery and Teamwork Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-09-10-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 空はクリスタルのように明るく澄んで、白銀の大地がどこまでも広がる。En: The sky is bright and clear like crystal, and a silver-white landscape stretches endlessly.Ja: ここは北極ツンドラだ。En: This is the hokkyoku tundra.Ja: 秋の冷たい風が頬を切るように吹き付ける中、たくし、はるか、ゆきは学校の遠足に参加していた。En: Amidst the cold autumn wind that cuts through their cheeks, Takushi, Haruka, and Yuki were participating in a school field trip.Ja: たくしはこの旅に何か特別なものを見つけて、クラスメイトや先生たちにアピールしたいと思っていた。En: Takushi wanted to find something special during this trip and impress his classmates and teachers.Ja: しかし、ツンドラは簡単な場所ではない。En: However, the tundra is no easy place.Ja: 寒さと強風が、彼の冒険心を試していた。En: The cold and strong winds tested his adventurous spirit.Ja: この旅のガイドであるはるかは、慎重で安全を何よりも大事にしていた。En: The guide for this journey, Haruka, was cautious and valued safety above all.Ja: 「たくし、あまり遠くに行かないで。道から外れると危ないからね」と彼女はいつも言っていた。En: "Don't go too far, Takushi. It's dangerous if you stray from the path," she always said.Ja: ゆきは、観察とドキュメントが好きで、カメラを持ち歩き、すべてを記録していた。En: Yuki liked observing and documenting, carrying a camera and recording everything.Ja: ある日、たくしは遠くに珍しい動物を見る。En: One day, Takushi saw a rare animal in the distance.Ja: 彼の好奇心がまさに折れ曲がる瞬間だった。En: It was a moment where his curiosity truly peaked.Ja: 「すごい！これは絶対に見るべきだ！」と叫んだ。En: "Amazing! This is something you definitely have to see!" he exclaimed.Ja: そして、彼は少し離れた道をたどり始めた。En: He began to follow a slightly diverging path.Ja: はるかは心配したが、結局、ゆきと一緒に追いかけた。En: Haruka was worried, but eventually chased after him along with Yuki.Ja: 「待って、たくし！危ないよ！」と叫びながら、二人とも急いで彼のあとを追った。En: "Wait, Takushi! It's dangerous!" they shouted, hurrying after him.Ja: その場所にたどり着くと、たくしは驚きの光景を目にする。En: When they reached the place, Takushi was struck by an astonishing sight.Ja: 数多くの渡り鳥が空いっぱいに広がり、羽ばたいていた。En: Countless migratory birds filled the sky, flapping their wings.Ja: ゆきはすぐにカメラを取り出し、この貴重な瞬間を記録した。En: Yuki quickly took out her camera and recorded this precious moment.Ja: そのとき、急に空が暗くなり、雪が激しく降り始めた。En: At that moment, the sky suddenly darkened, and snow began to fall heavily.Ja: 戻る道を急がなければならない。En: They needed to hurry back the way they came.Ja: たくしは思った。「はるかを心配させたくない。安全に戻らないと」と。En: Takushi thought, "I don't want to worry Haruka. We have to get back safely."Ja: 彼らは慎重に、急いで元の道に戻る。En: They carefully and quickly made their way back to the original path.Ja: はるかが安全な道を指し示し、ゆきがその様子をしっかり記録しながら、全員無事にグループに合流できた。En: Haruka pointed out the safe route, and Yuki diligently recorded the situation, and they all rejoined the group safely.Ja: 教室に戻ると、先生もクラスメイトもその映像を見て感心し、拍手を送った。En: Back in the classroom, both teachers and classmates were impressed by the footage and applauded.Ja: たくしは、何かを発見するたびに大切なことを学んだ。En: Takushi learned something important with each discovery.Ja: その中には、安全と協力の大きな価値もあった。En: Among those were the great values of safety and cooperation.Ja: そして、たくしたちは仲間とともに学び、次の冒険にも備えて、心を一つにしていた。En: And so, Takushi and his companions, united by their shared learning, prepared for their next adventure.Ja: 目の前にはたくさんの可能性が広がっている。En: A multitude of possibilities lay before them. Vocabulary Words:crystal: クリスタルlandscape: 大地tundra: ツンドラparticipating: 参加autumn: 秋adventurous: 冒険心spirit: 心cautious: 慎重stray: 外れるpath: 道diverging: 離れたmigratory: 渡りastonishing: 驚きcountless: 数多くのprecious: 貴重diligently: しっかりfootage: 映像applauded: 拍手discovery: 発見cooperation: 協力endlessly: どこまでもcold: 冷たいrare: 珍しいcuriosity: 好奇心struck: 目にするdocumenting: 記録darkened: 暗くなりoriginal: 元のrejoined: 合流possibilities: 可能性

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.

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: A Pigeon Thief and Unexpected Adventures at Tokyo Skytree Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-09-09-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 東京は秋の色彩でいっぱいでした。En: Tokyo was filled with the colors of autumn.Ja: スカイツリーの観覧デッキは観光客でにぎわっていて、東京の街並みが一望できました。En: The observation deck of Tokyo Skytree was bustling with tourists, offering a panoramic view of the cityscape.Ja: 青空の下、ユキとヒロは大きな窓辺に立って、美しい景色を楽しんでいました。En: Under the blue sky, Yuki and Hiro stood by the large window, enjoying the beautiful scenery.Ja: 「今日の計画は完璧だね！」ユキは自信満々に言いました。En: "Today's plan is perfect!" Yuki said confidently.Ja: 彼女のカバンの中には、おにぎりとお弁当、フルーツがきちんと詰まっていました。En: Inside her bag, onigiri, a bento, and fruits were neatly packed.Ja: 幼いころから計画を立てるのが得意なユキにとって、今日のピクニックは完璧な休日のはずでした。En: For Yuki, who had been skilled at planning since childhood, today's picnic was supposed to be a perfect holiday.Ja: ヒロは笑顔で、「そんなに全部予定通りにいくかな？」と少しからかいました。En: With a smile, Hiro teased, "Do you think everything will go as planned?"Ja: のんびりした性格のヒロは、いつも物事を楽観的に見ていました。En: With his laid-back personality, Hiro always saw things optimistically.Ja: 「まあ、何か起こってもそれも楽しいかもね。」En: "Well, even if something happens, that might be fun too."Ja: ユキは微笑んで、「そうね、でも今日は違うよ。すべてパーフェクトにする予定だから。」En: Yuki smiled, "That's true, but today is different. I plan to make everything perfect."Ja: 二人は観覧デッキのベンチを見つけ、そこでランチを広げ始めました。En: The two found a bench on the observation deck and began to spread out their lunch.Ja: 瞬間、陽気な鳩が空からひらりと降り立ち、ユキのおにぎりをつつんだかと思うと、素早く飛び去ってしまいました。En: Just then, a cheerful pigeon fluttered down from the sky, pecked at Yuki's onigiri, and swiftly flew away.Ja: 「えっ！？」ユキは驚いて声を上げました。En: "What!?" Yuki exclaimed in surprise.Ja: 完璧な計画が、ちょっとした鳥のいたずらで台無しにされたのです。En: Her perfect plan was thwarted by a little bird's mischief.Ja: 「なんで鳩が！？」En: "Why a pigeon!?"Ja: ヒロはくすくす笑いながら、「あの鳩、プロだね。スカイツリーで働いてた頃からの常連だろうか。」と言いました。En: Hiro, chuckling, said, "That pigeon is a pro. Could it be a regular since the days we worked at Tokyo Skytree?"Ja: ユキは最初、憤りでいっぱいでしたが、ヒロの笑い声につられて笑ってしまいました。En: Initially filled with indignation, Yuki was pulled into laughter by Hiro's laughter.Ja: 「まあ、そう感じるのもありかもね。」En: "Well, maybe that's okay."Ja: 二人は鳩を追いかけることにしました。En: The two decided to chase after the pigeon.Ja: すると、他の観光客やガイドに笑われ、ユキとヒロも一緒になって笑い出して、きっとことは東京の壮大な背景の中で小さな冒険になりました。En: Other tourists and guides laughed at them, and Yuki and Hiro joined in the laughter, turning the whole affair into a small adventure against the grand backdrop of Tokyo.Ja: 最後には、二人はスカイツリーのカフェで、ケーキを食べながら夕陽を見ていました。En: In the end, the two were in Tokyo Skytree's café, eating cake and watching the sunset.Ja: 「今日は最高の日だね。」ユキはしみじみと言いました。En: "Today was the best day," Yuki said reflectively.Ja: ヒロはニヤニヤしながら、「何が起こるかわからないのが良いところさ。計画通りじゃなくても楽しめばいいよ。」と返しました。En: Hiro, grinning, replied, "The best part is not knowing what will happen. Even if things don't go as planned, you can have fun."Ja: ユキは心から頷き、「次からは計画通りにいかなくても、大丈夫だって思えるわ。」En: Yuki nodded sincerely, "From now on, I'll be okay even if things don't go according to plan."Ja: 二人の笑顔は、太陽が沈んで夜が訪れるまで輝いていました。En: Their smiles shone until the sun set and night fell.Ja: スカイツリーの下、秋のささやきを聴きながら、ユキとヒロは友情と自由を感じていました。En: Under Tokyo Skytree, listening to the whispers of autumn, Yuki and Hiro felt a sense of friendship and freedom. Vocabulary Words:observation deck: 観覧デッキpanoramic: 一望cityscape: 街並みscenery: 景色confidently: 自信満々にskilled: 得意bento: お弁当teased: からかいましたlaid-back: のんびりoptimistically: 楽観的にfluttered: ひらりと降り立ちpecked: つつんだswiftly: 素早くindignation: 憤りthwarted: 台無しにされたmischief: いたずらpro: プロadventure: 冒険background: 背景reflectively: しみじみとlaid-back: のんびりsincerely: 心からfreedom: 自由fluttered: ひらりと降り立ちchuckling: くすくす笑いながらgrinning: ニヤニヤしながらwhispers: ささやきregular: 常連sense: 感じていました

Hey Sailors! In this episode, Kyo & Yuki are back to fighting, what else is new? Everyone is feeling the ramifications of Kyo's other form being unveiled, and we see Yuki seemingly suffering the most because of it. But with people like Hatsuharu & Tohru at his side, it surely won't last for long.***Podcast Patreon: patreon.com/sailormangaPodcast Socials: @sailormangapodPodcast Email: sailormangapodcast@gmail.com

Morgana is back, and it's time to continue our tandem watch-along of Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, and Michiko & Hatchin! We also discuss Tiny Bookshop, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, Ramen Okami to Curry Tora, and more!!! Send us emails! mangamachinations@gmail.com  Follow us on Social Media! @mangamacpodcast Check out our website! https://mangamachinations.com Support us on Ko-fi! https://ko-fi.com/mangamac  Check out our YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/mangamactv Check out our new gaming channel! https://www.youtube.com/@NakayoshiGaming/  Timestamps: Intro - 00:00:00 Tiny Bookstore - 00:06:38 Patlabor 2: The Movie - 00:13:52 Gundam Card Game, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX - 00:17:29 Ramen Okami to Curry Tora - 00:34:47 Yuki wa Tomoe ni - 00:36:53 Next Episode Preview - 00:39:39 Cowboy Bebop 5, Michiko & Hatchin 5+6, Samurai Champloo 6 - 00:40:41 Outro - 01:48:51 Song Credits: “Talk of the Town” by Devon May “Jiggin the Jig” by Bless & the Professionals “Home” by Zach Sorgen “Tasty Bites” by ZISO

Предлагаю вашему вниманию переработанную версию ранее выпущенного микса, с дополнительными треками и частично переведенного! 01 00:00:00 Intro 02 00:00:35 ПЕВЧАЯ - Ты заря (Silver Nail Remix) 03 00:03:19 Moscow Village Band – Paranya 04 00:05:38 ABIEM Project – Порушка-параня 05 00:07:35 Татьяна Куртукова - Матушка (Index-1 Remix) 06 00:09:40 Ася Горбачёва, Silver Ace - Родина моя 07 00:11:58 Сюзанна Светличная - Ты живи моя страна (A-Traxx Remix) 08 00:13:39 Jakonda feat. DJ Nejtrino & ELIA - Летел голубь 09 00:15:33 ПЕВЧАЯ — Ранешенько (Silver Nail Remix) 10 00:17:39 Lebedeva, Ahigo, SLYOZY ALYASKI - Иван Купала 11 00:19:27 KILLTEQ x IZIFONK - Любушка 12 00:21:14 Nikita Rise — Полюбила пацана 13 00:22:46 Министерство Культуры СССР - Ой, дуся, oй, маруся 14 00:24:42 Надежда Кадышева и Г.Кадышев - Плывет веночек (Dmitry Air Remix) 15 00:26:45 Полынь Folk, ГАЛЕЯ, Тульская, Baltin - Солнце встало высоко 16 00:28:53 Chagunava - Золотой домик (Silver Ace Remix) 17 00:31:57 Bearwolf Валькирия (D. Anuchin Remix) 18 00:34:22 Sara Oks x Los Del Rio - Казак (Silver Nail MashUp) 19 00:36:17 Талица, Dj GROOV - Гори, гори ясно! 20 00:38:20 BVLVNS - Polyushko Pole 21 00:40:09 Галя, VEYA, Ася Зыкова, MATANYA - Туман 22 00:42:27 КоленкорЪ, Полынь Folk & DAN3A - Савич 23 00:44:22 Kvinn, Alexey Razumov - To ne vecher 24 00:46:11 Балаган Лимитед, Willi Nil - Тонкая рябина 25 00:48:43 Shadow Clouds - Russian Vibe 26 00:51:01 TRILTAPE, САМОВАРОЧКИ - KUPALA (Ragion remix) 27 00:53:38 Цветень - Матюшка 28 00:56:14 MOREBOY x NIKA DUBIK - Dom 29 00:58:23 Max Lansky - Ветерок 30 01:00:10 Белолуна - Девичья 31 01:02:44 Ruslan Babetskii ft. Yuki - Вереюшка 32 01:04:48 VELIKOPOLSKAYA - BANYA 33 01:07:08 Zventa Sventana - Месяц

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Heartfelt Gifts: Under the Autumn Moon in Ueno Park Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-09-04-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 秋の午後、空は高く澄んでいました。En: On an autumn afternoon, the sky was high and clear.Ja: 上野公園では、週末の小さな市場が賑わっていました。En: In Ueno Park, the small weekend market was bustling.Ja: 空と雪は、月見祭りの贈り物を探しに来ました。En: Sora and Yuki had come to look for gifts for the moon-viewing festival.Ja: 色とりどりの葉が風に舞い、ランタンが小道を明るく照らしていました。En: Multicolored leaves danced in the wind, and lanterns brightly lit up the paths.Ja: 露店には、手作りの雑貨や美味しそうな食べ物が並んでいました。En: The stalls were lined with handmade goods and delicious-looking food.Ja: 空は友達の雪への贈り物を探していました。En: Sora was searching for a gift for his friend Yuki.Ja: 空は控えめで慎重な性格でした。En: Sora was reserved and cautious by nature.Ja: 彼は、大切な雪のために、特別な贈り物を贈りたかったのです。En: He wanted to give a special gift to Yuki, who was very important to him.Ja: しかし、種類が多すぎて、どれにしようか迷っていました。En: However, with so many options, he was unsure of what to choose.Ja: 雪はその横で、楽しげに笑っていました。En: Next to him, Yuki was enjoying herself, laughing cheerfully.Ja: 「空、これを見て！可愛いね！」En: "Look at this, Sora! Isn't it cute?"Ja: 市場の雰囲気を楽しんでいる様子でした。En: She seemed to be relishing the atmosphere of the market.Ja: 「雪が喜ぶものって何だろう？」と、空は心の中で考えました。En: "What would make Yuki happy?" Sora pondered in his heart.Ja: どの贈り物が彼女を驚かせ、喜ばせるか、本当に悩んでいました。En: He was truly struggling with which gift would surprise and delight her.Ja: しかし、空は決心しました。En: However, Sora made up his mind.Ja: 「大切なのは、心がこもったものだ」と。En: "What's important is something heartfelt," he thought.Ja: 彼らの思い出が詰まった、少し古ぼけた手作りの写真立てを見つけました。En: He found a slightly weathered handmade photo frame, filled with their memories.Ja: 月見の夜。空は緊張しながら、満月の下で贈り物を雪に差し出しました。En: On the night of the moon viewing, Sora, feeling nervous, offered the gift to Yuki under the full moon.Ja: 「これ、君との思い出のために選んだんだ。受け取ってくれる？」と。En: "I chose this for our memories together. Will you accept it?" he asked.Ja: 雪は驚き、そしてとても嬉しそうに頷きました。En: Yuki was surprised, and she nodded with great delight.Ja: 「空、ありがとう。本当に感動したわ」と、彼女は写真立てを抱きしめました。En: "Thank you, Sora. I'm truly moved," she said, hugging the photo frame.Ja: その瞬間、空は自信に満ちた微笑みを浮かべました。En: At that moment, a confident smile spread across Sora's face.Ja: 彼の心は暖かく、彼の選択が正しかったことを知りました。En: His heart was warm, and he knew that he had made the right choice.Ja: 二人の友情は、さらに深い絆で結ばれました。En: Their friendship was tied with an even deeper bond.Ja: 秋の夜空に浮かぶ満月が、優しく二人を照らし続けました。En: The full moon floating in the autumn night sky continued to gently illuminate them.Ja: 大切なのはうわべの華やかさではなく、心の中の温かさであることを、空は学びました。En: Sora learned that what matters is not the superficial splendor, but the warmth inside the heart.Ja: 彼はこれからも、自分の気持ちを大切にすることを決めました。En: He decided to cherish his own feelings from then on. Vocabulary Words:autumn: 秋bustling: 賑わってmoon-viewing festival: 月見祭りmulticolored: 色とりどりのhandmade: 手作りreserved: 控えめcautious: 慎重なcheerfully: 楽しげにrelishing: 楽しんでいるsuperficial: うわべのsplendor: 華やかさweathered: 古ぼけたilluminate: 照らしてmarket: 市場lanterns: ランタンgifts: 贈り物delight: 喜ばせるpondered: 考えましたstruggling: 悩んでいましたheartfelt: 心がこもったmemories: 思い出nervous: 緊張しながらsurprised: 驚きdelight: 嬉しそうmoved: 感動したconfident: 自信に満ちたwarm: 暖かくbond: 絆cherish: 大切にするsentiment: 気持ち

De heren zijn terug van hun vakanties en vertellen tot in details hoe hun vakanties waren. Zo bezocht Défano New York, was Yuki met onder andere Frenna en Jonna Fraser in Marrakech, Armin was weer terug in zijn geliefde Rio de Janeiro en vertelt Nimo over zijn tijd in Los Angeles.

De heren zijn terug van hun vakanties en vertellen tot in details hoe hun vakanties waren. Zo bezocht Défano New York, was Yuki met onder andere Frenna en Jonna Fraser in Marrakech, Armin was weer terug in zijn geliefde Rio de Janeiro en vertelt Nimo over zijn tijd in Los Angeles.

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Harvest Tales and Heartfelt Gifts: An Obon at Hokkaido Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-09-03-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 夏の日差しが温かく降り注ぐ、北海道の田舎の朝。En: On a morning in the countryside of Hokkaido, the warm summer sunlight poured down.Ja: はるとは祖父母の家に夏休みで訪れていました。En: Haruto was visiting his grandparents' house for summer vacation.Ja: お盆の時期になり、はるとは祖父母への感謝の気持ちを込めた贈り物を探していました。En: As the time of Obon approached, Haruto was searching for a gift to express his gratitude to his grandparents.Ja: 「ゆきちゃん、どこに行けばいいかな？」はるとはいとこのゆきに尋ねました。En: "Yuki-chan, where should I go?" Haruto asked his cousin, Yuki.Ja: ゆきは地元のことをよく知っていて頼りになる存在です。En: She knew the local area well and was someone he could rely on.Ja: 「地元のファーマーズマーケットに行こうよ。新鮮なものがたくさんあるよ。」ゆきが言いました。En: "Let's go to the local farmers' market. There are lots of fresh things there," Yuki suggested.Ja: 二人は色とりどりの屋台が並ぶマーケットに到着しました。En: The two arrived at a market lined with colorful stalls.Ja: 遠くに緑の野原と山々が見え、活気に満ちています。En: In the distance, green fields and mountains could be seen, and the place was full of life.Ja: 新鮮な野菜や果物、手作りの工芸品、美味しそうな地元の特産品が所狭しと並んでいました。En: Fresh vegetables and fruits, handmade crafts, and delicious local specialties were packed in every available space.Ja: はるとはあちこちを見て回りましたが、ぴったりのものが見つかりません。En: Haruto looked around here and there but couldn't find the perfect item.Ja: ふと、彼は老年の友人、さくらの屋台に目を留めました。En: Suddenly, his eyes fell on the stall of an elderly friend, Sakura.Ja: 彼女は毎年、この時期に出店しています。En: She set up a stall every year during this season.Ja: 「こんにちは、はるとくん。贈り物を探しているの？」さくらは親しげに声をかけました。En: "Hello, Haruto-kun. Are you looking for a gift?" Sakura said in a friendly manner.Ja: 「はい、でも何を選べばいいのか分からなくて…」はるとは困って答えました。En: "Yes, but I don't know what to choose..." Haruto answered, troubled.Ja: さくらは優しく微笑んで、落ち着く椅子を指し示しました。En: Sakura smiled gently and gestured toward a relaxing chair.Ja: 「少し話をしようか。昔の話と、それぞれの物の意味を知ると、きっと選びやすくなるよ。」En: "Let's have a little chat. By knowing the stories of the past and the meanings behind each item, you'll find it easier to choose."Ja: さくらは夏の農作業や、地元の特産品についての話をたくさんしてくれました。En: Sakura shared numerous stories about summer farming and the local specialties.Ja: とても興味深い話で、はるとは時間を忘れて聞き入ってしまいました。En: The stories were so fascinating that Haruto lost track of time while listening.Ja: その時、彼の目に珍しい地元産の素材で編まれた美しいかごが映りました。En: Then, his eyes caught a beautiful basket woven from unique local materials.Ja: 「このかごは特別なのよ。昔から、この土地の自然の恵みに感謝するために編まれていたものなの。」さくらは優しく説明しました。En: "This basket is special. It's been woven as a way to give thanks for the blessings of nature in this land for a long time," Sakura explained gently.Ja: はるとはそのかごを手に取りました。En: Haruto picked up the basket.Ja: これこそ、祖父母への贈り物にぴったりだと感じました。En: He felt it was the perfect gift for his grandparents.Ja: 物語と共に渡せば、きっと喜んでくれるはずです。En: With the story behind it, they would surely be pleased.Ja: お盆の日、はるとは祖父母にかごを贈り、さくらから聞いた話を伝えました。En: On the day of Obon, Haruto gave the basket to his grandparents and shared the stories he heard from Sakura.Ja: 祖父母は驚き、そしてとても喜びました。En: His grandparents were surprised and very delighted.Ja: 「ありがとう、はると。君の思いが伝わってくるよ。」En: "Thank you, Haruto. We can feel your thoughtful intentions."Ja: その日、はるとは自分の文化的なルーツに少しでも繋がれたように感じました。En: That day, Haruto felt a bit more connected to his cultural roots.Ja: 祖父母の笑顔を見て、彼の心は温かくなりました。En: Seeing his grandparents' smiles warmed his heart.Ja: 北海道の夏、家族と過ごす特別なお盆は、彼にとって忘れられない思い出になりました。En: The special summer Obon he spent with his family in Hokkaido became an unforgettable memory for him. Vocabulary Words:countryside: 田舎gratitude: 感謝approached: なりrely on: 頼りfarmers' market: ファーマーズマーケットspecialties: 特産品available: 所狭しelderly: 老年gestured: 指し示しましたwoven: 編まれたblessings: 恵みfascinating: 興味深いintentions: 思いdelighted: 喜びunforgettable: 忘れられないcrafts: 工芸品gestured: 指し示しましたconnected: 繋がれたroots: ルーツexpress: 込めたstalls: 屋台relaxing: 落ち着くgently: 優しくchat: 話intentions: 意図surprised: 驚きcultural: 文化的material: 素材season: 時期distant: 遠くに

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Moonlit Connections: An Art Student's Night of Discovery Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-09-02-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 秋の夕方、郊外の賑やかなショッピング街は月見祭りでにぎわっていました。En: On an autumn evening, the bustling shopping street in the suburbs was lively with a moon-viewing festival.Ja: 通りには提灯が揺れ、伝統的なお菓子を売る屋台からは秋の香りが漂っていました。En: Lanterns swayed on the streets, and the scent of autumn wafted from stalls selling traditional sweets.Ja: 静かな芸術学生のゆきは、大学の授業が終わった後、この祭りに行くことを決めました。En: Yuki, a quiet art student, decided to go to this festival after her university classes were over.Ja: 心の奥では、人ともっと深くつながりたいと願っていましたが、彼女の内向的な性格がそれを妨げていました。En: Deep down, she wished to connect more deeply with people, but her introverted nature held her back.Ja: 親友のミカは、「一歩踏み出せば、新しい世界が見えるよ」といつも励ましてくれていました。En: Her best friend, Mika, always encouraged her, saying, "If you take one step forward, you'll see a new world."Ja: 一方、ゆきが通う通りの角にある人気の茶屋で働くひろしは、新しい物語のインスピレーションを探していました。En: Meanwhile, Hiroshi, who works at a popular teahouse around the corner from where Yuki attends, was searching for inspiration for a new story.Ja: 彼は若く、エネルギッシュな若者で、旅行ブログを書いていますが、最近は本物の話を見つけることに苦労していました。En: He is a young and energetic individual who writes a travel blog, but recently, he struggled to find a true story.Ja: 祭りの夜、勇気を振り絞ったゆきは、月を見に行こうと決心しました。En: On the night of the festival, Yuki summoned up her courage and decided to go moon-viewing.Ja: ひろしもまた、祭りの屋台を探索し、新しい発見を求めていました。En: Hiroshi also explored the festival stalls, seeking new discoveries.Ja: 月明かりが街を照らし、祭りの中心にある月見のスペースで、二人は偶然顔を合わせました。En: The moonlight lit up the town, and in the moon-viewing area at the center of the festival, the two accidentally met.Ja: お互いの様子を見て、ひろしが冗談で「月がとても綺麗だから、僕たちも仲良くなっちゃうかもね」と言いました。En: Observing each other, Hiroshi jokingly said, "The moon is so beautiful, maybe we'll become friends."Ja: それを聞いたゆきは思わず笑ってしまいました。En: Hearing that, Yuki couldn't help but laugh.Ja: その笑顔をきっかけに、二人は自然と話し始め、気が付けば夜空を見上げながら、お互いの好きなことや夢について語り合っていました。En: Prompted by that smile, they naturally started talking, and before they knew it, they were looking up at the night sky, talking about their favorite things and dreams.Ja: ゆきは絵を見せ、ひろしは旅行の話をしました。En: Yuki showed her drawings, and Hiroshi talked about his travels.Ja: 彼らは共に芸術やストーリーへの深い愛情を共有しました。En: They shared a deep love for art and stories.Ja: 夜が更けていく中、二人は祭りの喧騒を離れ、一緒に帰ることにしました。En: As the night grew later, they decided to leave the festival's hustle and bustle together.Ja: ゆきは、少しずつ自分を表現する自信を得て、ひろしは真に心動かされる物語を見つけました。En: Yuki gained confidence in expressing herself little by little, and Hiroshi found a truly moving story.Ja: 帰り道、赤く染まる木々を眺めながら、二人はこれからも続くであろう友情と思いがけない出会いに感謝しました。En: On the way home, gazing at the trees dyed red, they expressed gratitude for the unexpected encounter and friendship that surely would continue.Ja: ゆきの心は、新しいチャンスに向かって開かれていました。En: Yuki's heart was open to new opportunities. Vocabulary Words:suburbs: 郊外bustling: 賑やかlanterns: 提灯scent: 香りwafted: 漂ってintroverted: 内向的なencouraged: 励ましてsummoned: 振り絞ったcourage: 勇気moon-viewing: 月見festivities: 祭りaccidentally: 偶然jokingly: 冗談でprompted: きっかけobserving: 様子hustle and bustle: 喧騒energetic: エネルギッシュなopportunity: チャンスencounter: 出会いgrateful: 感謝expressing: 表現patrons: お客stalls: 屋台tradition: 伝統drawings: 絵stories: 物語trees dyed red: 赤く染まる木々inspiration: インスピレーションsharing: 共有confidence: 自信

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Finding Serenity: A Kyoto Tea Ceremony's Timeless Lesson Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-09-01-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 清水寺の緑豊かな丘が広がる京都の静かな一角。En: In a quiet corner of Kyoto, the green, lush hills of Kiyomizu-dera spread out.Ja: 夏の名残を感じるセミの声が響く中、ハルトは友達のユキと一緒に茶室に向かって歩いていました。En: As the sound of cicadas echoed, still carrying the remnants of summer, Hiroto walked towards a tea room with his friend Yuki.Ja: 「ねえ、ハルト、今日はちゃんとリラックスしてね」とユキが笑顔で言いました。En: "Hey, Hiroto, make sure to relax today," Yuki said with a smile.Ja: 彼女は地元の人で、京都の伝統や文化が大好きです。En: She is a local and loves the traditions and culture of Kyoto.Ja: ハルトは真面目な学生で、すぐに始まる大学の授業を気にして心が乱れがちです。En: Hiroto is a serious student, often troubled by thoughts of the university classes about to begin.Ja: 「わかってる。でも、考えずにいるのは難しいよ」とハルトはため息まじりに答えました。En: "I know, but it's hard not to think about it," he replied with a sigh.Ja: 茶室は畳が敷かれた静かな場所です。En: The tea room is a quiet place with tatami mats.Ja: 入口に立つと、茶の道具が整然と並べられ、美しい和の空間が広がりました。En: Standing at the entrance, the tea utensils were neatly arranged, and a beautiful Japanese atmosphere spread out before them.Ja: 茶道師匠の直子さんがやわらかく微笑み、二人を迎えました。En: The tea ceremony master Naoko welcomed the two with a gentle smile.Ja: 「ようこそ。どうぞ、お座りください。今日は心を落ち着けて、茶の美しさを楽しんでください。」En: "Welcome. Please, have a seat. Today, calm your mind and enjoy the beauty of tea."Ja: ハルトは緊張しつつも座り、周りを見回しました。En: Although nervous, Hiroto sat down and looked around.Ja: 窓からは青々とした草木が見え、風が心地よく窓を通り抜けます。En: Outside the window, verdant greenery was visible, and a pleasant breeze passed through the window.Ja: しかし、心の中では未来の不安が続いていました。En: However, within his heart, the anxiety of the future lingered.Ja: そんな時、ナオコさんが静かに言いました。「今この瞬間が大切。茶は一瞬、美しいものを感じるためのものです。」En: Just then, Naoko quietly said, "This moment is important. Tea is meant to make you appreciate beauty in a fleeting moment."Ja: ナオコさんが茶を立て始めると、ハルトの目から不安が少しずつ溶け出しました。En: As Naoko began to prepare the tea, Hiroto's anxiety gradually began to dissolve.Ja: 茶の色、香り、そしてナオコさんの動きすべてが調和して、特別な空気が生まれました。En: The color of the tea, its aroma, and all of Naoko's movements harmonized to create a special atmosphere.Ja: ユキも静かにその様子を見守っています。En: Yuki also silently observed the scene.Ja: そして茶を飲む瞬間、ハルトはふいに気づきました。忙しい未来のことを考えるよりも、今を生きることの美しさ。En: In the moment he drank the tea, Hiroto suddenly realized the beauty of living in the now, rather than worrying about the busy future.Ja: それを忘れてはいけないんだ。En: He didn't want to forget this.Ja: ハルトの顔には、次第に微笑みが浮かびました。En: His face slowly began to show a smile.Ja: 茶会が終わると、彼の心には静かな平和が満ちていました。En: When the tea ceremony ended, a calm peace filled his heart.Ja: 「今日は本当にありがとう、ユキ、ナオコさん。学ぶことができてよかった」とハルトは心から感謝しました。En: "Thank you so much, Yuki, Naoko. I'm glad I could learn this," Hiroto expressed his heartfelt gratitude.Ja: その日、ハルトは心の中に新しい決意を持って帰路につきました。未来の不安よりも、今を大切に生きること。En: That day, Hiroto headed home with a new determination in his heart: to cherish the present rather than worrying about future anxieties.Ja: 清水寺の夜空を見上げ、ハルトは微笑みました。En: Looking up at the night sky over Kiyomizu-dera, Hiroto smiled.Ja: その空は、何も言わずに彼の決意を優しく受け入れていました。En: The sky tenderly embraced his resolve, saying nothing at all. Vocabulary Words:lush: 緑豊かなechoed: 響くremnants: 名残utensils: 道具tatami: 畳verdant: 青々としたharmonized: 調和fleeting: 一瞬anxiety: 不安linger: 続いているobserve: 見守るresolve: 決意cherish: 大切にするdetermination: 決意acknowledged: 気づくatmosphere: 空間glimpse: 見回すentrance: 入口gently: やわらかくperspective: 観点serene: 静かなmomentous: 大切embraced: 受け入れてgrateful: 感謝anticipation: 期待admire: 楽しんでbreeze: 風vista: 見えるapreciate: 感じるcreate: 生まれます

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Kite Dreams: Haru's Starry Triumph at Tokyo's Obon Festival Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-08-31-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 東京の桜公園に夏の風が静かに吹いていました。En: A summer breeze was quietly blowing through Tokyo's Sakura Park.Ja: トンボが空を舞い、木陰では人々が涼んでいます。En: Dragonflies danced in the sky, and people cooled off in the shade of the trees.Ja: この日は、特別なオボン祭りの一日でした。En: This day was a special one, the day of the Obon festival.Ja: ハルトは自分のユニークな凧を持って、公園に来ました。En: Haru came to the park with his unique kite.Ja: 彼はその凧で友達のユキとソラを驚かせようとしていました。En: He was planning to surprise his friends Yuki and Sora with it.Ja: 「これは僕の新しい凧だよ！」とハルトは誇らしげに言いました。En: "This is my new kite!" Haru said proudly.Ja: 彼の凧は普通の形とは少し違っていました。En: His kite was a little different from the usual shape.Ja: 色とりどりの紙で作り、形は星型でした。En: It was made with colorful paper and shaped like a star.Ja: ユキは微笑み、「素敵だね、ハルト君。En: Yuki smiled and asked, "It's lovely, Haru-kun.Ja: でも、ちゃんと飛ぶの？」と聞きました。En: But does it really fly?"Ja: 「もちろんさ！見ていてね！」とハルトは力強く答えました。En: "Of course! Just watch!" Haru replied confidently.Ja: でも、ソラがニヤリと笑って、「飛ばすのが楽しみだね。En: However, Sora grinned and joked, "Can't wait to see you fly it.Ja: 本当に飛べるの？」と冗談を言いました。En: Can it really go up?"Ja: ハルトは少し心配しながらも、凧を空に上げました。En: Although a bit worried, Haru launched the kite into the sky.Ja: しかし、風が予想外に強く吹いてきて、凧はくるくると回り始めました。En: But then, unexpectedly, the wind blew strongly, causing the kite to spin around.Ja: そのうち、凧はねじれて変な動きをし始め、すぐに木に引っかかってしまいました。En: Soon, the kite twisted and started to move awkwardly, quickly getting caught in a tree.Ja: 「うわぁ、やばい！」ハルトは叫びました。En: "Whoa, that's bad!" Haru shouted.Ja: しかし、すぐに彼は諦めず、再び挑戦しました。En: However, he didn't give up and tried again.Ja: 何度もやり直し、凧の形を直しました。En: He fixed the shape of the kite and relaunched it several times.Ja: 「僕は負けないよ！」と再び凧を空に上げました。En: "I won't give up!" he declared as he sent the kite back into the sky.Ja: 今回は風が凧を美しく持ち上げ、大空に自由に舞いました。En: This time, the wind lifted the kite beautifully, allowing it to dance freely across the sky.Ja: 公園の人々は拍手をし、みんながその様子を楽しんでいました。En: The people in the park applauded and everyone enjoyed the sight.Ja: ユキはハルトに言いました。「やったね、ハルト君！見事に飛んだね！」En: Yuki said to Haru, "You did it, Haru-kun! It flew splendidly!"Ja: ソラも笑顔で、「いや、最高だったね。本当に面白かったよ。」と同意しました。En: Sora also smiled, "Yeah, that was amazing. It was really fun."Ja: ハルトは満足感でいっぱいになりました。En: Haru was filled with satisfaction.Ja: 「完璧じゃなくても、楽しいことが大事だね。」彼は言いました。En: "Even if it's not perfect, having fun is what matters," he said.Ja: この日の夕方、桜公園ではかがり火がともり、オボン祭りの楽しさが続いていました。En: That evening, bonfires were lit in Sakura Park, and the Obon festival's enjoyment continued.Ja: ハルトは友達と一緒に、その日最高の思い出を胸に抱え、笑顔で家路につきました。En: Haru, with the best memories of the day in his heart, returned home with a smile alongside his friends.Ja: 彼は自分が創造性を大事にし、楽しむ心を持つことの素晴らしさを学びました。En: He learned the importance of valuing creativity and having a heart that enjoys life. Vocabulary Words:breeze: 風dragonflies: トンボshade: 木陰unique: ユニークkite: 凧proudly: 誇らしげにconfidently: 力強くunexpectedly: 予想外にtwisted: ねじれてawkwardly: 変なcaught: 引っかかってrelaunched: 再び挑戦splendidly: 見事にfun: 面白かったsatisfaction: 満足感bonfires: かがり火enjoyment: 楽しさcreativity: 創造性memories: 思い出sky: 空applauded: 拍手をvalue: 大事にstrength: 力強くsurpass: 超えるfestival: 祭りsurprise: 驚かせるlaunched: 上げましたfreely: 自由にimportance: 素晴らしさheart: 心

FORMEL 1 Zandvoort Grand Prix der Niederlande GP Vorschau und Analysen mit Christian Danner, Kai Ebel, Alex Wurz, Günther Steiner – Oscar Piastri als typischer Aussie, Lewis Hamilton zur Zukunft, Hörerfrage von Tim – Antwort von Yuki Tsunoda und Charles Leclerc Inga Stracke plaudert mit Experten, Teambossen und Piloten über den Grand Prix der Niederlande. Einschätzungen der Experten, Erholung und Neumotivation von Lewis Hamilton in der Sommerpause und NEU: Die Hörerfrage!! Diesmal: Tim, der wissen will, wie Yuki Tsunoda und andere Piloten mit dem Jet Lag zurecht kommen - passend dazu die Antworten von Yuki und Charles Leclerc. Im Interview: Christian Danner, Kai Ebel, Alex Wurz, Günther Steiner – Oscar Piastri als typischer Aussie, Lewis Hamilton zur Zukunft, Hörerfrage von Tim – Antwort von Yuki Tsunoda und Charles Leclerc Zur Formel 1 Saison 2025 bringt euch „Stracke an der Stecke“ News, Blicke hinter die Kulissen und lässt auch die Formel 1-Protagonisten zu Wort kommen. VIEL SPASS beim Anhören! Ich freue mich über likes und folgt mir für mehr – am besten im Abo z.B. über Itunes, Spotify, Soundcloud, RTL + und überall wo es Podcasts gibt Ciao, Eure Inga Stracke an der Strecke

A conversation with Zero Fes team - a bunch of really inspiring teens from Japan and around the world who created and performed at the first Zero Fes, a club music event by teens for teens held in Tokyo in July 2025 - DJ's - Elfigo, Otek, Michelle; DJ drummer Cezary; music producer Riki; rapper MC Millaray;  dancers - Mamadou & Papa; drone racer Yuki; and the teen entrepreneur who put it all together Gaito Amano. Listen to brief conversations and messages in various languages sharing thoughts on music culture, the event and first impressions of Tokyo.

Baseball: Ex-Chunichi Fielder Kazutoshi Yamada, Father of Actor Yuki, Dies at 60

Send us a textHave you ever loved something so much that it started to consume you? In this episode of The Motovation Podcast, Yuki shares her journey from discovering motorcycles at Trev Deeley a decade ago to becoming the driving force behind Vancouver's Bike Life community. Her authenticity and passion built a movement that drew riders together simply by showing up on two wheels.But as her social profile gained speed, the freedom of riding turned into constant work—day and night. What once fueled joy became a source of pressure and burnout, leaving her searching for validation instead of connection. Yooki opens up about the painful decision to step away, the loss of identity that followed, and the unexpected clarity that came from slowing down.For anyone who's ever hit burnout, felt trapped by their own success, or faced the challenge of rediscovering who they are beyond their role, this conversation offers a reminder: sometimes the hardest turns lead you back to yourself.

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Family Bonds and Spiritual Traditions at Kyoto's Kinkakuji Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-08-24-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 夏の日差しが眩しい中、金閣寺の前庭はにぎわっていました。En: Under the dazzling summer sun, the front garden of Kinkakuji was bustling with activity.Ja: 緑に包まれた風景、池に映る金色の寺、そして香の香りが漂う場です。En: The scenery enveloped in greenery, the golden temple reflecting in the pond, and the scent of incense wafting through the air.Ja: 遠くからは、セミの鳴き声とお祭りの太鼓の音が聞こえてきます。En: From afar, the chirping of cicadas and the sound of festival drums could be heard.Ja: サトシは大学生で、家族の先祖を偲ぶため、妹のハナと一緒に京都を訪れていました。En: Satoshi was a university student who had come to Kyoto with his younger sister Hana to honor their ancestors.Ja: 今日はお盆の日です。En: Today was the day of Obon.Ja: サトシは、静かな時間を見つけて、金閣寺でお香を焚き、先祖に敬意を表したいと考えていました。En: Satoshi wanted to find a quiet moment at Kinkakuji to burn incense and pay his respects to their ancestors.Ja: ハナは建築や芸術に興味があり、金閣寺の美しさに感動していました。En: Hana, who was interested in architecture and art, was awed by the beauty of Kinkakuji.Ja: 「すごいね、兄さん！」と彼女は目を輝かせました。En: "It's amazing, niisan!" she exclaimed with shining eyes.Ja: 彼らのガイド、ユキは金閣寺の歴史に詳しい地元の人で、友好的に案内していました。En: Their guide, Yuki, was a friendly local person knowledgeable about the history of Kinkakuji, guiding them amicably.Ja: しかし、そのとき、突然ハナが苦しそうに息を始めました。En: However, at that moment, Hana suddenly began to breathe with difficulty.Ja: 彼女はぜんそくの発作を起こしていました。En: She was having an asthma attack.Ja: サトシは動揺し、どうするべきかを考えました。En: Satoshi was distressed, contemplating what he should do.Ja: 彼の頭には、祖先への敬意という大事な目的がありましたが、妹の健康が心配でした。En: He had the important purpose of honoring their ancestors in mind, but he was worried about his sister's health.Ja: 「ハナ、大丈夫？」と心配するサトシに、ユキが冷静に声をかけます。「すぐに近くの救護所に行きましょう。」En: "Hana, are you okay?" Satoshi asked worriedly as Yuki calmly spoke up, "Let's go to the nearby first aid station immediately."Ja: サトシは即断し、ユキの指示に従いました。En: Satoshi made a quick decision and followed Yuki's instructions.Ja: 彼は、妹を助けるという大切なことを最優先にしました。En: He prioritized the important task of helping his sister.Ja: 救護所でハナが回復している間、ユキはサトシに付き添ってくれました。En: While Hana was recovering at the first aid station, Yuki stayed with Satoshi.Ja: 「家族は最も重要です」とユキが静かに話しかけます。En: "Kazoku is the most important," Yuki said quietly.Ja: その後、ハナの状態が落ち着き、サトシは静かな庭の一角で、ユキとハナと一緒にお香を焚き、小さなお盆の儀式を行いました。En: Later, when Hana's condition had stabilized, Satoshi performed a small Obon ceremony in a quiet corner of the garden, burning incense with Yuki and Hana.Ja: サトシは感じました、家族と一緒にいることが、どんな伝統よりも大切なのだと。En: Satoshi realized that being with family is more important than any tradition.Ja: 金閣寺の庭を後にするとき、サトシは新たな気持ちでいっぱいでした。En: As they left the garden of Kinkakuji, Satoshi was filled with a renewed sense of purpose.Ja: 彼は、家族の絆と優先順位の大切さを理解するようになりました。En: He had come to understand the importance of family bonds and priorities. Vocabulary Words:dazzling: 眩しいbustling: にぎわっていましたenveloped: 包まれたscenery: 風景incense: 香wafting: 漂うchirping: 鳴き声ancestors: 先祖respect: 敬意architecture: 建築awed: 感動していましたexclaimed: 輝かせましたguide: ガイドfriendly: 友好的にknowledgeable: 詳しいamicably: 案内していましたasthma: ぜんそくdistressed: 動揺しcontemplating: 考えましたprioritized: 最優先ceremony: 儀式tradition: 伝統renewed: 新たなbonds: 絆priorities: 優先順位recovery: 回復aid station: 救護所decision: 即断purpose: 目的honor: 偲ぶ

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Harmony in Bamboo: Haruto's Tea Ceremony Transformation Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-08-22-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 青々とした竹林が広がる嵐山。En: A lush bamboo grove spreads across Arashiyama.Ja: 京都のこの美しい場所で、夏の風が静かに竹を揺らす。En: In this beautiful place in Kyoto, the summer breeze gently sways the bamboo.Ja: 光が葉の間を通り抜け、地面に斑模様の光を落とす。En: Light filters through the leaves, casting dappled patterns on the ground.Ja: ここで、ハルトは特別なお茶会の準備をしている。En: Here, Haruto is preparing for a special tea ceremony.Ja: ハルトは若く、伝統的なお茶の作法を学ぶ見習いだ。En: Haruto is young, an apprentice learning the traditional methods of tea.Ja: 今日の茶会で、師匠に自分の進歩を見せたいという強い思いがある。En: He has a strong desire to show his progress to his master at today's tea ceremony.Ja: 友人であり、お茶の先生でもあるユキがハルトを見守っている。En: His friend and tea instructor, Yuki, is keeping an eye on him.Ja: ユキは伝統を大切にしつつも、若い世代に少し懐疑的だ。En: While Yuki values tradition, she is somewhat skeptical of the younger generation.Ja: オボンの季節が訪れ、先祖を敬う時期だ。En: The Obon season has arrived, a time to honor ancestors.Ja: ハルトはこの特別なお茶会を成功させ、家族を敬い、師匠に認めてもらいたい。En: Haruto wants to make this special tea ceremony a success, to honor his family and win his master's approval.Ja: だが、彼はプレッシャーと不安で緊張している。En: However, he is tense with pressure and anxiety.Ja: 伝統を重んじる一方で、彼は現代的な要素を取り入れたいと考えている。En: While he respects tradition, he also wants to incorporate modern elements.Ja: しかし、ユキは「伝統は守るべきだ」と忠告する。En: Yet, Yuki advises, "Tradition should be upheld."Ja: ついに、ハルトは心に決めた。自分を信じて新しい要素を取り入れよう、と。En: Finally, Haruto decided in his heart: to believe in himself and incorporate new elements.Ja: 茶会の日、ハルトの新しいアプローチが明らかになった。En: On the day of the tea ceremony, Haruto's new approach became clear.Ja: 竹林の中、参加者たちが静かに座り、彼の動きに注目した。En: In the bamboo grove, the participants sat quietly, focused on his movements.Ja: ハルトはひとつひとつ丁寧にお茶を点てる。その動作はゆっくりと流れるようだ。En: Haruto carefully prepared tea, each movement flowing slowly.Ja: しかし、彼の茶碗には小さなモダンな装飾があった。En: However, there were small modern decorations on his tea bowls.Ja: それはハルトの個性を象徴していた。En: These symbolized Haruto's individuality.Ja: 儀式が終わると、参加者たちは拍手を送った。En: When the ceremony concluded, the participants applauded.Ja: みんな、ハルトの新しい試みに感銘を受けた。En: Everyone was impressed by Haruto's new endeavor.Ja: 師匠もまた、伝統と革新のバランスに感心し、ハルトの成長を認めた。En: The master, too, was impressed by the balance of tradition and innovation, acknowledging Haruto's growth.Ja: ハルトは自信を手に入れた。En: Haruto gained confidence.Ja: 伝統を尊重しつつ、自分を表現する重要性を学んだのだ。En: He learned the importance of expressing himself while respecting tradition.Ja: 竹林の中で、彼は自然と人とが一つになる瞬間を感じた。En: In the bamboo grove, he felt a moment where nature and people became one.Ja: 新たな一歩を踏み出したハルトの顔には、ほのかな安堵の微笑みが浮かんでいた。En: As Haruto took a new step forward, a faint, relieved smile appeared on his face.Ja: 伝統と現代の調和が、また一つ花開いたのだ。En: Harmony between tradition and modernity had blossomed yet again. Vocabulary Words:lush: 青々としたgrove: 竹林breeze: 風dappled: 斑模様のapprentice: 見習いmethods: 作法desire: 思いprogress: 進歩skeptical: 懐疑的ancestors: 先祖anxiety: 不安incorporate: 取り入れるupheld: 守るendeavor: 試みinnovation: 革新acknowledging: 認めたconfidence: 自信expressing: 表現するharmony: 調和blossomed: 花開いたpatterns: 模様individuality: 個性relieved: 安堵のfaint: ほのかなimpressed: 感銘を受けたparticipants: 参加者たちceremony: 儀式gentle: 静かにmoment: 瞬間cast: 落とす

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Chasing Shadows: A Botanist's Quest for the Yasui Flower Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-08-21-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 夏の日差しが森の上を優しく照らしていました。En: The summer sunlight gently illuminated the forest above.Ja: しかし、森の中は木々で覆われていて暗いです。En: However, inside the forest, it was dark, covered by trees.Ja: ユキ、ヒロシ、アイコの三人は夏のお盆にこの森に来ました。En: The three of them, Yuki, Hiroshi, and Aiko, came to this forest during the summer Obon.Ja: 彼らは珍しいヤスイの花を探しています。En: They were searching for the rare Yasui flower.Ja: この花は一度だけ、お盆の時期にしか見られないのです。En: This flower can only be seen once, during the Obon period.Ja: ユキは情熱的な植物学者で、稀少な植物を見つけて記録することが大好きです。En: Yuki is a passionate botanist who loves finding and documenting rare plants.Ja: 彼女の心の中には、亡くなったおばあちゃんへの思いがあります。En: In her heart, she cherishes memories of her late grandmother.Ja: おばあちゃんは生前、花が大好きでした。En: Her grandmother loved flowers during her lifetime.Ja: 「この森は道が複雑だよ」とヒロシは言いました。En: "This forest has a complex path," Hiroshi said.Ja: 「迷うのは危険だ。」En: "It's dangerous to get lost."Ja: 「ヤスイの花なんて本当にあるの？」とアイコは疑いの目で言いました。En: "Is the Yasui flower even real?" Aiko said skeptically.Ja: しかし、ユキの目は決意に満ちていました。En: However, Yuki's eyes were filled with determination.Ja: 「おばあちゃんのために、どうしても見つけたいの。」En: "I must find it for my grandmother."Ja: 道具を持ってきたが、コンパスが壊れていました。En: They brought equipment, but the compass was broken.Ja: ユキは自分の直感に頼ることに決めます。En: Yuki decided to rely on her intuition.Ja: 彼女は森の奥に進みます。En: She proceeded deeper into the forest.Ja: ヒロシとアイコは不安そうですが、ユキについていくことにします。En: Hiroshi and Aiko looked anxious, but decided to follow Yuki.Ja: 森の中は湿気でいっぱいで、葉がこすれる音や遠くで鳥が鳴く声が聞こえます。En: The forest was filled with humidity, and they could hear the sound of leaves rustling and birds singing in the distance.Ja: 三人は慎重に進みます。En: The three of them advanced cautiously.Ja: 時間が過ぎるにつれ、ユキは少し不安になります。En: As time passed, Yuki became a bit uneasy.Ja: 「もっと奥に進むべきだ」とユキは言いました。En: "We should go further in," Yuki said.Ja: 「きっとその花はそこにある。」En: "I'm sure the flower is there."Ja: そして、とうとう彼女は道を切り開き、小さな開け地に出てきました。En: Finally, she cleared a path and emerged into a small clearing.Ja: 日光がそこだけに差し込み、ヤスイの花が満開になって咲いていました。En: Sunlight was shining only there, and the Yasui flower was in full bloom.Ja: 「見て！」ユキは歓声を上げました。En: "Look!" Yuki exclaimed with joy.Ja: 「本当にあった！」En: "It really was here!"Ja: 彼女は急いでカメラを取り出し、花の写真を撮ります。En: She hurriedly took out her camera and photographed the flowers.Ja: ユキの目には涙が光っていました。En: Tears glistened in Yuki's eyes.Ja: おばあちゃんを思い出し、彼女のためにこの瞬間を記録しました。En: She remembered her grandmother and captured this moment for her.Ja: ユキたちは無事に森から戻ってきます。En: They safely returned from the forest.Ja: 帰り道、ユキは自分の写真を研究のためにアップロードしました。En: On the way back, Yuki uploaded her photos for research.Ja: そして彼女の心には新しい自信が芽生えていました。En: A newfound confidence had sprouted in her heart.Ja: 「これからも自分を信じて進むわ」とユキは微笑みながら言いました。En: "I will continue to trust myself and move forward," Yuki said with a smile.Ja: こうしてユキは、新たな一歩を踏み出しました。おばあちゃんの思い出と共に。En: Thus, Yuki took a new step, together with the memories of her grandmother.Ja: 彼女は、外からの評価よりも、自分の心を信じることの大切さを学びました。En: She learned the importance of believing in her own heart, more than external evaluations.Ja: それが今の彼女を支えているのです。En: That is what supports her now. Vocabulary Words:illuminated: 照らしていましたforest: 森rare: 珍しいbotanist: 植物学者cherishes: 大事に思っているmemories: 思い出complex: 複雑dangerous: 危険skeptically: 疑いの目でdetermination: 決意intuition: 直感humidity: 湿気rustling: こすれる音anxious: 不安そうcautiously: 慎重にclearing: 開け地bloom: 満開exclaimed: 歓声を上げましたphotographed: 写真を撮りますglistened: 光っていましたcaptured: 記録しましたuploaded: アップロードしましたconfidence: 自信sprouted: 芽生えていましたbelieving: 信じることexternal: 外からのevaluations: 評価support: 支えていますproceeded: 進みますpath: 道

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Finding Clarity in the Storm: Haruto's Journey to Inner Peace Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-08-20-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 夏のある日、晴れた空に突然、黒い雲が広がりました。En: One summer day, a clear sky was suddenly overtaken by dark clouds.Ja: 広大な飛騨山脈は雨を迎える準備をしているようでした。En: The vast Hida Mountains seemed to be preparing for rain.Ja: ハルト、アキラ、ユキの三人は、山の中をハイキングしていました。En: Haruto, Akira, and Yuki were hiking through the mountains.Ja: ハルトは自然を愛するベテランのハイカーです。En: Haruto is a veteran hiker who loves nature.Ja: しかし、最近の失業で心がざわついていました。En: However, the recent loss of his job had left him unsettled.Ja: 山の頂上で内面の静けさを見つけたいと思っていました。En: He hoped to find inner peace at the mountain's summit.Ja: 突然、強い雨が降り始めました。En: Suddenly, a heavy rain began to fall.Ja: アキラとユキは顔を見合わせ、不安な表情を浮かべました。En: Akira and Yuki exchanged glances, their expressions filled with anxiety.Ja: 道は水浸しとなり、土砂崩れが起こりそうです。En: The path was becoming waterlogged, and a landslide seemed imminent.Ja: 「このままでは危険だ」とアキラが言いました。En: "This is dangerous," Akira said.Ja: 「どこかで雨宿りをした方がいい」とユキが提案しました。En: "We should find somewhere to take shelter from the rain," Yuki suggested.Ja: ハルトは迷いました。En: Haruto hesitated.Ja: 頂上に行くこともできるかもしれない。En: They might still be able to reach the summit.Ja: しかし、この嵐は予想外でした。En: However, this storm was unexpected.Ja: 「近くに洞窟がある」とハルトが言いました。En: "There's a cave nearby," Haruto said.Ja: 「そこで雨をやり過ごせるかもしれない。En: "We might be able to ride out the rain there."Ja: 」決心して、三人は慎重に洞窟に向かいました。En: Resolute, the trio carefully made their way toward the cave.Ja: 道は滑りやすく、激しい風が木々を揺らしました。En: The path was slippery, and the fierce wind shook the trees.Ja: ハルトは友達を引きながら進みました。En: Haruto moved forward, guiding his friends.Ja: やっとの思いで洞窟に辿り着きました。En: After much effort, they finally reached the cave.Ja: 安心した三人は、中で静かに嵐が過ぎるのを待ちました。En: Relieved, the three of them quietly waited inside for the storm to pass.Ja: ハルトは心の中の不安な声を沈め、今を楽しむ大切さを学びました。En: Haruto calmed the anxious voice within him and learned the importance of enjoying the present moment.Ja: 次の日の朝、澄んだ青空が広がりました。En: The next morning, the clear blue sky stretched above them.Ja: ハルトは深い息を吸い、山道に戻りました。En: Haruto took a deep breath and returned to the mountain path.Ja: 嵐の後、道はひどく荒れましたが、ハルトの心は澄んでいました。En: While the storm left the path badly damaged, Haruto's heart was clear.Ja: 彼は未知の未来に希望を見出し、力強く歩き出しました。En: He found hope in an unknown future and set out with renewed determination.Ja: この旅で、ハルトは不安定さを受け入れることを学びました。En: Through this journey, Haruto learned to embrace uncertainty.Ja: 今この瞬間に生きることの大切さを知り、新しい人生への扉が開いたのです。En: He realized the importance of living in the present moment, and a door to a new life opened for him.Ja: 飛騨山脈での冒険は、ハルトの心に深い変化をもたらしました。En: The adventure in the Hida Mountains brought profound change to Haruto's heart. Vocabulary Words:unsettled: ざわついていましたsummit: 頂上anxiety: 不安imminent: 起こりそうshelter: 雨宿りcave: 洞窟resolute: 決心してslippery: 滑りやすくfierce: 激しいrelieved: 安心したprofound: 深いembrace: 受け入れるuncertainty: 不安定さdetermination: 力強くventure: 冒険inner peace: 内面の静けさwaterlogged: 水浸しlearned: 学びglances: 顔を見合わせpath: 道unknown future: 未知の未来storm: 嵐unexpected: 予想外moment: 瞬間adventure: 冒険calmed: 沈めnature: 自然overcome: やり過ごせるbring: もたらしましたchange: 変化

Send us a textIn this episode of Badass Women in Business, we sit down with Yuki Bi, global advertising executive and co-founder of Helios Worldwide. Yuki shares how her journey from a Canadian ad intern to leading a private equity-backed global consultancy has been shaped by risk, reinvention, and relentless self-awareness.This conversation goes beyond the polished version of success. Yuki opens up about leading a 500-person team at the height of her career, losing half that team in one difficult moment, and how that experience transformed her approach to leadership. She talks about learning to lead across cultures, building long-term partnerships, and how she has grown by facing her own vulnerabilities rather than hiding them.From navigating gender bias in conservative markets to rethinking business as a deeply personal endeavor, Yuki brings nuance, honesty, and strategic clarity. Whether you are scaling globally or just trying to figure out your next move, her story will leave you grounded and inspired.Show NotesGuest: Yuki Bi, CEO and Co-Founder of Helios Worldwide LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yukun-yuki-bi-08638153Topics Covered:Building a truly global independent agency with a unified cultureThe turning point moment when burnout led to losing half her teamHow WPI supports global collaboration between independent agenciesThe difference between cultural nuance and cultural stereotypes in advertisingThe power of “slow dating” in business partnerships and what to watch forReframing guilt and pressure as a woman in leadershipWhy knowing your weaknesses can be a leadership strengthLessons from working across Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle EastMoving beyond the service model to become a growth partnerWhat she wishes more women would embrace when scaling a businessThree TakeawaysLeadership is about responsibility, not ego. You cannot walk away when it gets hard.Weaknesses, when acknowledged and shared, can build deeper trust than strengths ever could.Long-term growth requires clear roles, honest partnership, and the discipline to walk away when values do not align.Call to ActionIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who is ready to lead with courage and clarity. Stay badass.--- Subscribe and ReviewIf you loved this episode, drop us a review, share it with a badass woman in your life, and subscribe to Badass Women in Business wherever you get your podcasts. Stay badass. Stay bold. Build it your way. Keep up with more content from Aggie and Cristy here: Facebook: Empowered Women Leaders Instagram: @badass_women_in_business LinkedIn: ProveHer - Badass Women in Business Website: Badasswomeninbusinesspodcast.com Athena: athenaac.com

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Faith and Innovation: A Summer Day at Ueno Zoo Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-08-17-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 夏の日、上野動物園は緑に囲まれ、たくさんの動物がいる。En: On a summer day, Ueno Zoo is surrounded by greenery, with many animals within.Ja: その日、飼育員のハルトとユキはとても忙しかった。En: That day, the zookeepers, HaruTo and YuKi, were very busy.Ja: お盆の時期で、お客さんも多い。En: It's the Obon season, and there are many visitors.Ja: 動物園の館長が検査に来るため、彼らは一生懸命に準備していた。En: Since the director of the zoo was coming for an inspection, they were diligently preparing.Ja: ハルトは経験豊富な飼育員だ。En: HaruTo is an experienced zookeeper.Ja: 彼は仕事に誇りを持ち、動物園の評判を大切にしている。En: He takes pride in his work and values the zoo's reputation.Ja: 一方、ユキは新しい飼育員で、元気いっぱいだが自信が足りない。En: On the other hand, YuKi is a new zookeeper, full of energy but lacking confidence.Ja: でも、彼女は一生懸命頑張って、ハルトと館長に認められたいと思っている。En: Nonetheless, she is working hard and wants to be acknowledged by HaruTo and the director.Ja: 検査の前夜、突然の雨嵐が動物の囲いを壊した。En: The night before the inspection, a sudden rainstorm damaged the animal enclosures.Ja: 動物たちの安全と準備が危うくなった。En: The safety of the animals and the preparations were jeopardized.Ja: 困ったハルトとユキは朝までに問題を解決しなければならない。En: Troubled, HaruTo and YuKi needed to resolve the problem by morning.Ja: ハルトはユキの若さと情熱を信じて、重要な仕事を彼女に任せる決意をした。En: HaruTo decided to trust YuKi's youth and passion and entrusted her with an important task.Ja: 本当は少し不安だったが、ユキに期待してみることにした。En: Although he felt a bit uneasy, he decided to have faith in YuKi.Ja: ユキは責任を感じ、すぐに行動を起こした。En: Feeling responsible, YuKi immediately sprang into action.Ja: ユキは創意工夫で壊れた囲いをすぐに修理する方法を考えた。En: YuKi devised a creative method to quickly repair the damaged enclosure.Ja: 彼女のアイデアで、帆布とロープを使って仮設の囲いを作った。En: With her idea, she used canvas and ropes to create a temporary enclosure.Ja: ハルトはその計画を見て、ユキを心から信じることにした。En: Seeing the plan, HaruTo decided to fully trust YuKi.Ja: ついに館長が動物園に到着した。En: Finally, the director arrived at the zoo.Ja: ハルトとユキは連携を取り、その場を整えて迎えた。En: HaruTo and YuKi coordinated and prepared to welcome him.Ja: 館長が囲いを見ると、満足そうにうなずいた。En: When the director saw the enclosure, he nodded in satisfaction.Ja: 「よくやったね」と館長は優しい笑顔を見せた。En: "Well done," he said with a kind smile.Ja: 検査は無事に終わり、ハルトは胸をなでおろした。En: The inspection ended smoothly, and HaruTo breathed a sigh of relief.Ja: ユキの顔には、努力が報われた笑顔が浮かんでいた。En: On YuKi's face was a smile that showed her efforts had been rewarded.Ja: ハルトは他の人に頼ることの大切さを学び、ユキは自信を持つようになった。En: HaruTo learned the importance of relying on others, and YuKi gained confidence.Ja: 上野動物園のチームとして、二人はより強くなった。En: As a team, they became stronger at Ueno Zoo.Ja: 彼らの友情も、さらに深まった。En: Their friendship also deepened.Ja: 動物園は依然として賑やかだ。En: The zoo remains lively.Ja: 夏の日差しの中で、動物たちも気持ちよさそうだ。En: Under the summer sun, the animals seem at ease.Ja: そして、ハルトとユキは新たな一日を迎える準備をしていた。En: And HaruTo and YuKi were preparing to welcome a new day.Ja: 上野の夏は、まだまだ続く。En: Ueno's summer is far from over. Vocabulary Words:greenery: 緑zookeeper: 飼育員visitor: お客さんdirector: 館長diligently: 一生懸命reputation: 評判acknowledged: 認められたいinspection: 検査rainstorm: 雨嵐damaged: 壊したenclosures: 囲いjeopardized: 危うくなったresolve: 解決しなければならないyouth: 若さuneasy: 不安entrusted: 任せるimmediately: すぐにdevised: 考えたcreative: 創意工夫canvas: 帆布temporary: 仮設coordinated: 連携を取りsatisfaction: 満足relief: 胸をなでおろしたefforts: 努力rewarded: 報われたrelying: 頼るconfidence: 自信friendship: 友情lively: 賑やか

Pretty much the last place you'd think you'd find a rice paddy growing is on a hill in Nelson, but Yuki Fukuda is doing just that. You can find photos and more information from this story, here. Or take a listen, here.Here Now is another of RNZ's podcasts meeting people from all over the world who've made New Zealand home, bringing their music, sport, traditions and food with themWith thanks to:Dr Yuki FukudaGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

We arrive at our second to last Sign of Affection episode. But first, we catch up, IRL Sarah is back from her vacation and managed not to get fried! Meanwhile Joe has watched some anime and done pretty much nothing else.In a sign of affection we get into our beloved side character drama. Hey, wouldn't it suck if you liked your friend but they were into someone else? Well imagine that happened for four different people. At least Rin is having a better time and we get to see Yuki and Itsuomi have fun couple moments. We'll see how it all ends next week!

Connect:Email the show at bobsburgersreheated@gmail.comFollow the show @bobsburgersreheated on Instagram

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: From Tradition to Triumph: A Newcomer's Impact on Obon Festival Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-08-13-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 東京郊外の閑静な住宅街。En: A quiet residential area in the suburbs of Tokyo.Ja: そこに、伝統と現代が融合するかのような美しい家々が並んでいます。En: There, beautiful houses that seem to blend tradition and modernity stand in a row.Ja: 夏の日差しが強く照りつけ、庭からは色とりどりの花の香りが漂います。En: The summer sun shines intensely, and the scent of colorful flowers drifts from the gardens.Ja: 通りには提灯が飾られ、もうすぐ始まるお盆祭りに向けて、住人たちが忙しく動き回っています。En: Lanterns are hung along the street, and the residents are busily scurrying about in preparation for the upcoming Obon festival.Ja: その中に、少し緊張した面持ちのユキがいました。En: Among them was Yuki, looking a little tense.Ja: 数週間前にこのコミュニティに引っ越してきた彼女は、まだここでの生活に慣れていませんでした。En: Having moved to this community a few weeks ago, she hadn't yet gotten used to life here.Ja: しかし、お盆祭りをきっかけに、彼女は新しい友達を作ろうと決意します。En: However, with the Obon festival as a catalyst, she decided to make new friends.Ja: 「こんにちは。何か手伝えることがありますか？」ユキは勇気を出して近くにいた古参の住人のハルトさんに声をかけます。En: "Hello. Is there anything I can help with?" Yuki mustered her courage and approached Mr. Haruto, a long-time resident involved earnestly in the festival preparations.Ja: 「ああ、ユキさん。手伝いは大歓迎です。ぜひ一緒に祭りを成功させましょう。」ハルトさんは優しく微笑んでユキを迎え入れました。En: "Ah, Yuki. Help is always welcome. Let's make this festival a success together," Mr. Haruto welcomed her with a kind smile.Ja: 一方で、ティーンエイジャーのアキは、祭りの準備に興味がなく、いつもオンラインゲームばかりしています。En: Meanwhile, teenager Aki had no interest in preparing for the festival and was always absorbed in online gaming.Ja: しかし、親に言われて仕方なく手伝います。En: But, being told by his parents, he unwillingly pitched in.Ja: 「新しいゲーム大会でもやれば？」アキがつぶやきますが、ハルトさんは耳を貸しません。En: "Why not hold a new gaming tournament?" Aki muttered, but Mr. Haruto paid no heed.Ja: 計画会議の日、住民たちが集まります。En: On the planning meeting day, the residents gathered.Ja: 伝統を重んじるハルトさんの発言に、若者の賛同は得られません。En: Mr. Haruto's statements, valuing tradition, failed to gain the young people's agreement.Ja: アキもつまらなさそうにしています。En: Aki appeared bored as well.Ja: その時、ユキが静かに口を開きます。En: At that moment, Yuki quietly opened her mouth.Ja: 「伝統も大事ですが、若い人たちが楽しめるように、少し変えてみるのもいいかもしれません。どうでしょうか？」En: "While tradition is important, maybe it would be good to change things a bit so that younger people can also enjoy it. What do you think?"Ja: その提案は意外にも好意的に受け取られます。En: To their surprise, the proposal was received positively.Ja: 住民たちは伝統的な踊りと共に、ミニゲームやモダンな音楽を導入することを決めました。En: The residents decided to introduce mini-games and modern music alongside traditional dances.Ja: 祭りの日、通りは楽しそうな人々で溢れました。En: On the festival day, the streets were filled with joyful people.Ja: 和太鼓の音が響き、ランタンの灯りが夜空を彩ります。En: The sound of wadaiko reverberated, and the lanterns' glow painted the night sky.Ja: ユキはみんなに溶け込み、笑顔が絶えません。En: Yuki blended in with everyone, with smiles never leaving her face.Ja: ハルトさんは、伝統と革新のバランスがうまく取れたことに満足し、アキも新しい友達と一緒に祭りを楽しんでいます。En: Mr. Haruto was satisfied with the well-balanced tradition and innovation, and Aki enjoyed the festival with new friends.Ja: その夜、ユキは空を見上げ、心の中でつぶやきました。「ここが自分の居場所だ。」ここから彼女の新しい生活が、本当に始まったのだと感じました。En: That night, Yuki looked up at the sky and whispered in her heart, "This is my place." She felt that from here, her new life had truly begun. Vocabulary Words:suburbs: 郊外quiet: 閑静residential: 住宅drifts: 漂いますlanterns: 提灯scurrying: 動き回っていますtense: 緊張catalyst: きっかけcourage: 勇気earnestly: 熱心にwelcomed: 迎え入れましたunwillingly: 仕方なくbored: つまらなさそうproposal: 提案positively: 好意的にmini-games: ミニゲームreverberated: 響きinnovation: 革新whispered: つぶやきましたresidents: 住人たちtradition: 伝統modernity: 現代preparation: 準備success: 成功absorbed: 没頭statements: 発言agreement: 賛同implemented: 導入するbalancing: バランスbegun: 始まった

Last time we spoke about the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. In the summer of 1945, Japan faced its most devastating siege, characterized by an aerial campaign called "Starvation" that crippled its industrial capabilities. As resources dwindled and chaos reigned, the Allies intensified their firebombing efforts, targeting major cities. By July, Japan was on the brink of collapse, culminating in the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, where over 140,000 lives were altered or lost in a blinding flash. As the nation reeled from the destruction, the Japanese leadership was torn between surrender and continuing the fight. They faced not just the threat of American bombs, but also a Soviet invasion looming on the horizon. Days after Hiroshima, the atomic bomb "Fat Man" was dropped on Nagasaki on August 9, resulting in catastrophic casualties and extensive industrial losses. This attack further devastated an already weakened Japan, leaving the Emperor and his government grappling with the dire consequences. This episode is the Invasion of Manchuria Welcome to the Pacific War Podcast Week by Week, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about world war two? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on world war two and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel you can find a few videos all the way from the Opium Wars of the 1800's until the end of the Pacific War in 1945.    August 9 stands as a catastrophic day in Japanese history. On this day, the nation faced the devastating impact of a second atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki, along with the relentless Soviet invasion of Manchuria. Admiral Ivan Yumashev's Pacific Fleet moved to disrupt Japan's maritime communications in the Sea of Japan and provide support for offensive operations. At the same time, Soviet air forces targeted cities across Northeast Asia, striking both Manchuria and North Korea, as well as Japanese convoys in the Sea of Japan. General Twinning led a diversionary B-29 raid on Amagasaki, followed by a significant attack involving 108 aircraft on the rail yards at Marifu. In addition, Admiral Halsey's 3rd Fleet launched more strikes against airfields in northern Honshu and Hokkaido, where U.S. intelligence suspected a large Japanese air fleet and commando force was preparing for a desperate mission to Okinawa. Japanese paratroopers were gearing up for a new mission, codenamed Ken-go, but this time their target wasn't Okinawa. Similar to the earlier May 24 Raid on Yontan Airfield, Lieutenant General Sugawara Michio's Giretsu Kuteitai, also known as the “Heroic Paratroopers,” set their sights on the B-29 complex in the Mariana Islands for nighttime suicide raids. This operation marked the second planned assault on bases within the Mariana Islands, specifically aimed at destroying B-29 bombers. The plan involved deploying 60 transport aircraft to deliver 900 commandos during the nights of August 19 to 23. Around 300 personnel from Lieutenant Commander Daiji Yamaoka's 1st Kure Special Naval Landing Force initiated preparations at the end of June. Originally established for submarine-delivered raids on U.S.-held islands, these forces were now adapted to be flown in 30 Mitsubishi G4M 'Betty' twin-engine bombers, which had the necessary range for an unrefueled, one-way trip to the Marianas. The raid was initially scheduled for July 24. However, ten days earlier, U.S. carrier-based warplanes had attacked Misawa naval air base on Honshu Island, damaging or destroying many of the operation's bombers. Consequently, the raid was postponed to August 19, with the addition of 30 transport planes and 300 paratroopers from the army's 1st Raiding Regiment. Ultimately, however, on August 15, Japan surrendered, and Operation Ken-go was cancelled. Meanwhile, Admiral Shafroth's Bombardment Group unleashed heavy damage on the Kamaishi steel mill. The day after, to assist the Soviets, Halsey ordered additional airstrikes on northern Japanese airfields, causing extensive destruction. However, these were not isolated incidents; they were part of a sustained air-sea siege that had been intensifying for several months. The Allied blockade of Japan had severely impacted food imports, and industrial activity had nearly ground to a halt due to the ongoing blockade and bombings. By this point, six of Japan's ten largest cities had been completely destroyed, and over sixty smaller cities had been reduced to ashes from relentless incendiary raids. This scenario was a powerful manifestation of War Plan Orange in action. More critically, with the reality of Hiroshima's destruction echoing loudly, the Japanese government now grappled with the impending threat of complete annihilation, a grim reality they had never faced before in this war. Though they had recognized their defeat with the loss of Saipan and the initial Yawata raid, the stubborn resolve of the Japanese leadership had pushed them to prolong the conflict for an agonizing 14 months, clinging to the hope of a different outcome. Many now believed that peace was the only path to survival for the Japanese nation. As the crisis intensified, Prime Minister Suzuki and his cabinet engaged in heated discussions. He sought to persuade War Minister General Anami Korechika and Chief of the Army General Staff General Umezu Yoshijiro to accept the Potsdam Declaration on August 9. However, Suzuki and the militants could only agree that if there were any surrender, then it should ensure that the "national polity" or imperial family would continue in any postwar settlement. Anami and Umezu pushed for further, more favourable conditions. First, Japan would demobilize and disarm any IJA or IJN forces overseas. Second, Japanese courts would prosecute any war criminals. Third, after surrender the Allies would not occupy Japan. Chief of the Navy General Staff, Admiral Toyoda Soemu, agreed with Anami and Umezu. To break this deadlock, it became necessary to involve the Emperor directly. Around 2:00 AM on August 10, the cabinet convened with Emperor Hirohito, who ultimately agreed to accept the Potsdam Declaration and ordered an end to all military efforts, initiating the surrender process. Faced with no viable alternatives, all present reached a unanimous agreement. That morning, the Japanese government, through Swedish and Swiss intermediaries, sent an offer to accept the Potsdam Declaration, stipulating one condition: there would be no change to Japan's government structure, with Hirohito retaining his title as Emperor and sovereign ruler. Months afte the war Hirohito said this about his decision to surrender “The main motive behind my decision at that time was that if we . . . did not act, the Japanese race would perish and I would be unable to protect my loyal subjects [sekishi—literally, “children”]. Second, Kido agreed with me on the matter of defending the kokutai. If the enemy landed near Ise Bay, both Ise and Atsuta Shrines would immediately come under their control. There would be no time to transfer the sacred treasures [regalia] of the imperial family and no hope of protecting them. Under these circumstances, protection of the kokutai would be difficult. For these reasons, I thought at the time that I must make peace even at the sacrifice of myself.” Simultaneously, a new military campaign was underway, and several units of General Yamada's Kwantung Army were unexpectedly caught off-guard in Manchuria. In response, he implemented emergency measures and ordered commands to proceed with their plans for delaying operations. Upon learning of the Soviet declaration of war and the subsequent invasion led by Marshal Vasilevsky's Far East Command, Tokyo decided to place General Kozuki's 17th Area Army under the Kwantung Army. Furthermore, they instructed General Okamura Yasuji's China Expeditionary Army to transfer one army headquarters, along with six divisions and six brigades, to support this effort. As directed by Tokyo, the primary objective of the Kwantung Army was to defend Japanese territory in Korea. However, by the end of the first day of conflict, several border observation units had been completely destroyed while attempting to defend their positions. In the east, Lieutenant General Shimizu Noritsune's 5th Army, supported by the reinforced 128th Division, was confronting the main assault by Marshal Meretskov's 1st Far Eastern Front. To the south, Lieutenant General Murakami Keisaku's 3rd Army was engaged in defending against multiple penetrations along the border. In the northern sector, the 134th Division at Chiamussu was withdrawing towards Fangcheng, as planned, while flames engulfed Japanese houses in the city. General Uemura's 4th Army was preparing to face what they expected to be the main assault from General Purkayev's 2nd Far Eastern Front. Meanwhile, the 119th Division had already departed Hailar for Wunoerh, leaving only the 80th Independent Mixed Brigade behind. To the west, Lieutenant General Hongo Yoshio's 44th Army was confronting the formidable armored spearhead of Marshal Malinovsky's Transbaikal Front. Southwest of their position, the 108th Division was redeploying to the Chinhsien area. On August 10, the offensive led by Vasilevsky continued, as Colonel General Ivan Managarov's 53rd Army began crossing the border behind the now distant 6th Guards Tank Army. Recognizing that the 44th Army was not prepared to engage the overwhelming enemy armor in guerrilla warfare across the expansive terrain of western Manchuria, General Ushiroku made the independent decision to order Hongo to retreat to the Dairen-Hsinking line. This was where Lieutenant General Iida Shojiro's 30th Army was already establishing defensive positions. This decision contradicted Yamada's main strategy, which called for delaying the enemy advance at the borders.  Faced with what they deemed an illegal order, the Kwantung Army Headquarters convened an urgent staff conference. During this meeting, several opinions emerged: a sudden shift from established plans would likely create confusion; any attempt to counterattack after a withdrawal would likely fail if the enemy advanced quickly; and abandoning forward airfields prematurely would enable the enemy to advance unimpeded. To most participants, General Ushiroku's decision seemed to deliver a potentially fatal blow to the overall operational direction of the Kwantung Army Headquarters. However, since the 44th Army had already begun its withdrawal as ordered by General Ushiroku, Kwantung Army Headquarters was left with a fait accompli. Thus, they felt compelled to uphold the decision of the Third Area Army Commander, which was subsequently approved by General Yamada. Meanwhile, General Pliyev's cavalry-mechanized units advanced rapidly toward Kalgan and Dolonnor, reaching the foothills of the Grand Khingan Mountains. General Danilov's 17th Army also continued to encounter weak resistance, covering an additional 40 kilometers. General Lyudnikov's 39th Army bypassed the encircled 107th Division in the Halung-Arshaan and Wuchakou Fortified Regions. Here, the 5th Guards Rifle Corps moved toward Solun and Tepossi, while the 113th Rifle Corps advanced southeast toward Wangyemiao. The 94th Rifle Corps had to divert southward to support the 124th Rifle Division. In the east, General Luchinsky's 36th Army launched ongoing attacks against Hailar, with the 2nd Rifle Corps bypassing it to the east. Meanwhile, General Kravchenko's 6th Guards Tank Army reorganized its right-wing column and began crossing the Grand Khingan Mountains during the night, with both columns entering the central Manchurian plain by August 11. To the east, Meretskov continued his offensive. The 17th, 65th, and 72nd Rifle Corps of General Krylov's 5th Army advanced swiftly west and south, ultimately securing Machiacho, Laotsaiying, Suiyang, and Suifenho. This maneuver widened the zone of penetration to 75 kilometers and forced the 126th and 135th Divisions to withdraw their main forces to Yehho. In support, General Beloborodov's 1st Red Banner Army to the north broke through into open terrain, pushing rapidly westward to occupy parts of the cities of Pamientung and Lishuchen, along with their vital bridges across the Muleng River. Further south, General Chistyakov's 25th Army captured Tungning and successfully reduced its fortified region. Units in that area also secured Tumentzu, Hunchun, and Wuchiatzu. Lastly, General Zakhvatayev's 35th Army continued its operations far to the north. The 264th Rifle Division and the 109th Fortified Region seized Hutou and initiated a movement west along the railroad toward Hulin, while the 363rd and 66th Rifle Divisions pressed on with their advance northwestward. In northern Manchuria, General Purkayev continued his main assault, with General Mamonov's 15th Army reconnoitering key enemy strongholds south of the Amur River. After successfully crossing the river, the 34th Rifle Division and the 203rd Tank Brigade occupied Lopei and advanced through Fenghsiang to bypass the Hsingshanchen Fortified Region, leaving a force behind to reduce it. Meanwhile, the 361st Rifle Division captured Tungchiang, and the 388th Rifle Division secured Chienchingkou, preparing for an advance toward Fuchin. In support of these operations, General Pashkov's 5th Rifle Corps cleared Japanese forces from the Jaoho Fortified Region, while General Teryokhin's 2nd Red Banner Army was preparing to launch its offensive the following morning. On August 11, forward units landed at Heiho, Aihun, and Holomoching under the cover of artillery fire, quickly establishing a beachhead as additional forces crossed the Amur. However, due to a lack of crossing equipment, it took five days to transport all units across the river. Consequently, Teryokhin had to commit his forces piecemeal against the 123rd Division and the 135th Independent Mixed Brigade. This was not the only new offensive operation initiated by Purkayev on this day. A new target had emerged: South Sakhalin, known as Karafuto to the Japanese. As per Vasilevsky's plans, Major-General Leonty Cheremisov's 16th Army was deployed on North Sakhalin and along the mainland coast of the Tatar Strait, stretching from Sovetskaya Gavan to Nikolaevsk-on-Amur. If the invasion of Manchuria continued to progress favorably, this force was set to attack the Japanese-controlled portion of the island alongside the Northern Pacific Flotilla, commanded by Vice-Admiral Vladimir Andreyev, which was prepared to conduct amphibious operations against Esutoru and Maoka on the island's west coast. Opposing the Soviet forces, General Higuchi of the 5th Area Army positioned Lieutenant General Mineki Toichiro's 88th Division in the southern part of South Sakhalin, with only the 125th Regiment stationed to the north. Sakhalin shared many characteristics with several of the Manchukuoan border areas, presenting challenging terrain for mechanized warfare. The only viable invasion route south from the border at the 50th Parallel followed the Poronay River, located more or less in the center of the island. This river flows southward, flanked to the east and west by forested mountain ranges, as well as countless swamps and bogs. Both sides recognized the strategic importance of this potential invasion route and constructed extensive fortification networks. The Japanese fortifications were collectively known as the Koton, or Haramitog, fortified region. These defenses were built in three interlinked layers, with their western flanks anchored in the mountain range and eastern flanks in the wooded, swampy river valley. The permanent defenses spanned approximately 12 kilometers in frontage and extended up to 30 kilometers in depth, containing over 350 bunkers, pillboxes, artillery positions, and similar fortifications. These were protected by an elaborate network of infantry trenches, anti-tank ditches, minefields, and barbed wire. The heavy forest and brush made it challenging to locate these defenses. While enough vegetation had been cleared to allow for effective defensive fire, sufficient cover remained to obscure them from an attacking force. Consequently, the 16th Army would confront these formidable defenses without the advantage of surprise. At daybreak on August 9, reports emerged that the Soviet Army had unexpectedly invaded Manchuria from multiple directions. By 8:00 AM, telegraph lines were cut near Handa, a village located at the center of the Russo-Japanese border in Sakhalin. An excellent military road connected Handa to Kamishikuks, a region known as the Central Military Road area. At the same time, reports indicated that enemy forces were attacking the observation posts in this area. On August 10,  observation posts were forced to withdraw as the Soviet Army gradually advanced toward our main position in the Happo Mountains, situated about 10 kilometers south of the border. That evening, it was reported that the 125th Infantry had engaged in a skirmish, during which the Isunisawa Platoon, fighting near the Handa River bridge for over five hours, was wiped out. On that same day, the commander of the Fifth Area Army declared that not only had the Army engaged Soviet forces, but civilians in the area, including office workers and laborers, had also joined the battle in a desperate attempt to halt the advancing Soviet Army. By August 13, the National Volunteer Combat Teams were summoned. The recruitment of these volunteer combat teams from the general populace was unique to the Sakhalin campaign, aimed at creating the appearance of military readiness to deter the Soviet advance. Additionally, the 125th Regiment executed demolitions while retreating to establish stronger defensive positions on the western flank of Happo Mountain, northwest of Furuton. Given the unexpectedly favorable developments in Manchuria, the invasion of South Sakhalin was authorized on August 10. General Yumashev further directed Vice-Admiral Andreyev's naval forces to commence attacks on both South Sakhalin and the Kuriles. Major General Georgii Dziuba's air forces joined the effort, conducting reconnaissance flights over key Japanese ports that revealed Toro and Esutoru were almost entirely unprotected. In the early hours of August 11, the 56th Rifle Corps crossed the border and began its main advance along the central military road but encountered resistance at Handa, where around 100 defenders held them up for an entire day. Back in northern Manchuria, the 5th Rifle Corps embarked on a challenging march southwest toward Paoching, while Mamonov launched a bombing raid followed by an attack on Fuchin, which ultimately fell after a coordinated tank-infantry assault. Concurrently, the 4th Army headquarters and the bulk of the 149th Division received orders to retreat from Tsitsihar to Harbin. To the south, the 112th Fortified Region and the 6th Field Fortified Region crossed the Muleng River south of Mishan during the night. In the following days, they collaborated with units from the 35th Army to secure the Mishan Fortified Region. More importantly, the 26th and 59th Rifle Corps successfully secured Pamientung and Lishuchen, initiating a pursuit of withdrawing Japanese forces to the west and southwest. On August 11, the 5th Army advance continued, with reinforced forward detachments of the 65th and 72nd Rifle Corps reaching the Muleng River and preparing for an advance on Mutanchiang. At this juncture, Meretskov reassessed the situation and determined that his best opportunity for successful exploitation in the front zone lay within the 25th Army area. Consequently, he attached the 17th and 88th Rifle Corps to this command and placed the 10th Mechanized Corps in army reserve. This allowed the 17th and 39th Rifle Corps to commence a coordinated advance toward Wangching, Tumen, Tunhua, and Kirin. Looking west, Pliyev's units continued to encounter minimal resistance. The 17th Army was finally nearing the western foothills of the Grand Khingan Mountains. The lead brigade of the 5th Guards Tank Corps reached Lupei, while the 7th Guards Mechanized Corps completed its crossing of the Grand Khingan Mountains. The 39th Army maintained its holding operations against the Halung-Arshaan and Wuchakou Fortified Regions, coupled with main advances toward Solun and Wangyemiao. The 2nd Rifle Corps and the 205th Tank Brigade advanced along the railroad to Yakoshih. The 94th Rifle Division, supported by air and artillery, launched an assault and captured the southwestern portion of Hailar city before being reinforced by the entire 86th Rifle Corps. Meanwhile, the Soviet operational group on the right flank of the 36th Army broke through Japanese resistance at Manchouli, moving eastward along the rail line to join the Soviet forces besieging Hailar. As the Soviet armored units in the west made an unexpectedly swift advance, they were anticipated to reach Hsinking by August 15. On this same day, Yamada decided to relocate his headquarters to Tunghua. Additionally, during the night, a small naval force successfully conducted an assault landing at Yuki in North Korea, securing the port unopposed on August 12. Simultaneously, the 393rd Rifle Division pushed south into North Korea, quickly reaching Yuki before continuing toward Rashin. There, another small naval force landed on August 12, facing minimal resistance except for artillery fire. Meanwhile, the 25th Army advanced up to 40 kilometers in its main march southwest, prompting the commitment of the 10th Mechanized Corps to exploit further toward Wangching and beyond. The 5th Army had to eliminate a strong enemy position east of Taimakou before it could resume its advance to Mutanchiang. The 1st Red Banner Army pressed forward relentlessly, with the 26th Rifle Corps successfully bypassing Tzuhsingtun to advance on Hsientung, cutting the Linkou-Mutanchiang railroad line. The 363rd Rifle Division occupied Mishan while the 264th Rifle Division secured Hulin. The 171st Tank Brigade began a challenging advance southwest toward Chiamussu as the 15th Army reduced the Fuchin fortified region. Forward detachments of the 2nd Red Banner Army engaged Japanese advanced positions south of Holomoching and north of Aihun. After reducing Handa, the 56th Rifle Corps commenced an advance toward Furuton, although it faced delays from small enemy forces. Furthermore, in western Manchuria, Pliyev's Soviet-Mongolian formations and the 17th Army continued their advance through Inner Mongolia largely unopposed for the next two days. Throughout 12 and 13 August on the Trans-Baikal Front's right flank, the Soviet-Mongolian formations of General Pliyev swept across the Inner Mongolian deserts towards Dolonnor and Kalgan at a rate of ninety to one hundred kilometers a day, rudely shunting aside local cavalry forces. Pliyev's principal concern was providing his forces in the vast desert wastes sufficient food, fuel, fodder, and water. The 6th Guards Tank Army had to temporarily halt its advance as the 7th Guards Mechanized Corps reached Tuchuan. This pause was necessary due to severe fuel shortages, requiring an increase in fuel supplies before the offensive could resume. This situation allowed Ushiroku to withdraw the 63rd and 117th Divisions before they could be engaged. However, the 107th Division was less fortunate, as it was attacked by the 5th Guards Rifle Corps on the road to Solun. On the northern flank, the 36th Army continued its siege of the Hailar fortifications while the 2nd Rifle Corps seized Yakoshih and advanced up to Wunoerh. That day, Japan also received the initial Allied response to its surrender offer, penned by Secretary of State James Byrnes and approved by the British, Chinese, and Soviet governments. A critic of the Japanese imperial system, Byrnes insisted on an unconditional surrender but remained ambiguous regarding the future of the imperial family's position. The response included a statement that Japan's future form of government should be “established by the freely expressed will of the Japanese people.” Thus, even though the Soviet and Chinese governments aimed for the abolition of the imperial system, the Japanese could choose to retain their emperor, and likely would. Meanwhile, Secretary Stimson urged President Truman to accept the peace offer immediately, believing that, without an organized surrender supported by the emperor, U.S. forces would face “a score of bloody Iwo Jimas and Okinawas” across China and Southeast Asia. He cautioned that without the immediate capitulation of the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy, rogue military commanders might continue to resist. Retaining Hirohito would also aid Allied efforts to achieve a swift and orderly reconstruction while maintaining a compliant populace. The Japanese cabinet deliberated over the Allied response, with Anami and Suzuki, among other key military figures, arguing for its rejection unless an explicit guarantee for the imperial system was provided. Ultimately, however, Foreign Minister Togo and Marquess Kido Koichi succeeded in persuading Suzuki to support the acceptance of Byrnes' reply. Meanwhile, President Truman issued instructions prohibiting any further atomic weapons from being dropped on Japan without his approval, and he later ordered a complete halt to all bombings. Despite this, Halsey's 3rd Fleet remained in the area, preparing to launch additional strikes. Admiral Rawlings' Task Force 37 unfortunately had to retire at this point, though a token force was integrated into Admiral McCain's Task Force 38 to ensure British support until the end.  The Olympic timetable had called for Third Fleet to retire to Eniwetok and Manus in mid-August, but late on the night of August 10 Missouri intercepted a cryptic radio transmission: “Through the Swiss government, Japan has stated that she is willing to accept Allied surrender ultimatum at Potsdam, provided they can keep their Emperor.” Halsey had long predicted an early Japanese collapse, and had accordingly kept his logistic pipeline full. The following morning, August 11, flagships Missouri and King George V refueled simultaneously alongside oiler USS Sabine. Halsey recalled, “I went across to the ‘Cagey Five' as we called her, on an aerial trolley, just to drink a toast with Vice Admiral Rawlings.” Although Japan teetered near collapse, TF-37 lacked its own fast oilers and would have to retire immediately. With Nimitz's permission Halsey offered to sustain a token British force with Third Fleet so that the Royal Navy would be in “at the death.” Rawlings enthusiastically accepted. After replenishment, King George V, Indefatigable, Gambia, Newfoundland, and ten destroyers were re-designated TG-38.5 and absorbed into McCain's TF-38. The rest of TF-37, under Vian, reluctantly retired for Manus. In a truly desultory attack the following day, August 12, a single Japanese plane penetrated Buckner Bay, Okinawa undetected and torpedoed TF-95's just-arrived battleship Pennsylvania. Twenty Americans were killed, while Oldendorf and nine others were wounded. Back off Honshu, Halsey canceled August 12 strikes due to a typhoon. Late that night Third Fleet intercepted a confusing and ambiguous radio bulletin announcing that Japan had, with qualifications, accepted Allied terms. After a heated staff conference Halsey decided that, without firmer information, the following day's strikes were still on. Nevertheless, the prolonged negotiations were causing the Third Fleet considerable logistical problems; Halsey recalled, “Our galleys were reduced to serving dehydrated carrot salad. If the war was over, we could provision on the spot; if it was not, we would have to retire, reprovision, and return.” That night, a group of officers led by Major Hatanaka Kenji and Colonel Arao Okikatsu approached Anami, seeking his backing for a coup d'état to prevent Japan's surrender. Anami refused, leaving Hatanaka's conspirators to attempt the coup on their own. At the recommendation of American psychological operations experts, B-29 bombers spent August 13 dropping leaflets over Japan detailing the Japanese offer of surrender and the Allied response. In stark contrast, that same day, McCain's newly Anglo-American TF-38 launched 1,167 sorties against Tokyo, expending 372 tons of bombs and 2,175 rockets. Only seven planes and one pilot were lost, none to combat. Airborne opposition was virtually nil, as Lieutenant-General Kanetoshi Kondo, commander of Tokyo's defending 10th Hiko Shidan, “failed to urge his men to press the attack to the utmost, because it seemed absurd to incur additional losses with the war obviously lost and its termination due in a matter of days.”  Simultaneously, Suzuki's cabinet debated their reply to the Allied response late into the night but remained deadlocked. Back in Manchuria, on August 13, the 6th Guards Tank Army resumed its offensive by pushing reconnaissance units toward Tungliao and Taonan. The 39th Army continued its assault on Japanese units at Halung-Arshaan, while the 5th Guards Rifle Corps attacked and captured Solun. To the north, as the battle for Hailar raged on, the 2nd Rifle Corps engaged the determined 119th Division for control of the Grand Khingan passes west of Pokotu, achieving little progress over the next two days. Looking east, the 2nd Red Banner Army gathered sufficient forces to resume its offensive, successfully penetrating the defenses of the 123rd Division at Shenwutan and Chiko. They destroyed small Japanese outposts at Huma and Santaoka, further pushing the 135th Independent Mixed Brigade toward the main fortified region at Aihun. Additionally, the 15th Army reduced the fortified positions at Fuchin, while the 171st Tank Brigade continued its advance toward Chiamussu. To the south, the 66th Rifle Division finally occupied Tungan, cutting the highway and railroad to Hutou. Meanwhile, the 59th Rifle Corps reached and secured Linkou before turning south toward Mutanchiang. Advance elements of the 26th Rifle Corps attacked and occupied the railroad station at Hualin, though they could not secure crossing sites over the Mutan River due to the fierce resistance of a single battalion. During the night, heavy Japanese counterattacks forced Soviet forces back to a hill northeast of Hualin. More importantly, while the 45th Rifle Corps continued to reduce remaining Japanese strongpoints in the Volynsk, Suifenho, and Lumintai centers of resistance, the bulk of the 5th Army advanced 30 kilometers along the road and rail line, successfully approaching the outer fortifications of Mutanchiang by nightfall. Even farther south, the 25th Army pushed southwestward, with its three formations sharing a single road along the military rail line through the mountainous, heavily wooded area from Laoheishan to Heitosai. In South Sakhalin, the 56th Rifle Corps launched a siege attack against Furuton. However, the fierce resistance of the 125th Regiment successfully repelled Soviet assaults for the next three days. On the same day, in preparation for an amphibious invasion of Toro, two naval patrol craft reconnoitered Esutoru. Additionally, Meretskov approved the Seishin Operation in North Korea, leading to another small naval force landing successfully at Chongjin that afternoon. Soon after, they faced a strong Japanese counterattack, which drove the landing force out of the port and inflicted heavy losses on the Russians. The following morning, a naval infantry battalion was landed to retake Chongjin, but Japanese reinforcements from the Nanam Divisional District Unit arrived to contest the port. As the Russians were pushed back again, Yumashev decided to embark the 13th Naval Infantry Brigade for a third assault scheduled for August 15. To the north, the 393rd Rifle Division advanced south along the coast, reaching Kwangjuryong by August 14. Concurrently, after breaking through the 128th Division's main defenses at Lotzukou, the 25th Army reached Heitosai and prepared to launch its main attack against Murakami's 3rd Army. The 5th Army struck the right flank of Shimizu's 5th Army at Ssutaoling and in the hills southeast of Mutanchiang, while the 1st Red Banner Army attacked the northern and eastern flanks of the city and the railroad station at Yehho on the eastern bank of the Mutan River. The 35th Army began a rapid advance toward Poli and Linkou, encountering negligible opposition. Meanwhile, the 5th Rifle Corps reached Paoching, drove off its garrison, and continued marching toward Poli. In addition, the 15th Army finally reduced the Hsingshanchen Fortified Region, opening a more direct advance route toward Chiamussu. Meanwhile, the 2nd Red Banner Army succeeded in breaking through the outer Japanese defenses to besiege the Sunwu Fortified Region and surround the Aihun Fortified Region. To the west, the 36th Army continued to encounter strong resistance at Hailar and Wunoerh. The 5th Guards Rifle Corps initiated a southeastward pursuit along the railroad toward Wangyemiao, eventually catching elements of the 107th Division at Tepossi, while also engaging Japanese units retreating from the Wuchakou area. The forward detachment of the 7th Guards Mechanized Corps occupied Taonan after a march hindered by wet weather and Japanese kamikaze attacks. The 17th Army captured Taopanshin, and Pliyev's left column overcame a small Manchurian cavalry force, entering Dolonnor at the east end of the pass across the southern Grand Khingan Mountains. Back in the Pacific, the Allies grew restless as they awaited a Japanese response, ultimately interpreting the silence as a non-acceptance of the imposed peace terms. Consequently, Truman ordered a resumption of attacks against Japan at maximum intensity. More than 400 B-29 bombers launched daylight attacks, while over 300 conducted night raids, culminating in what would become the largest and longest bombing raid of the Pacific War. Furthermore, Truman began planning to drop a third atomic bomb on Tokyo. However, before he could proceed, Emperor Hirohito met with the most senior Army and Navy officers in the early hours of August 14, convincing them to cooperate in ending the war. The cabinet immediately convened and unanimously ratified the Emperor's wishes for an unconditional surrender. They also decided to destroy vast amounts of material related to war crimes and the war responsibilities of the nation's highest leaders. Shortly after concluding the conference, a group of senior army officers, including Anami, gathered in a nearby room and signed an agreement to execute the Emperor's order of surrender. This decision would significantly impede any attempts to incite a coup in Tokyo. During this meeting, General Kawabe Torashirō, Vice Chief of the Army General Staff, proposed that the senior officers present should each sign an agreement to carry out the Emperor's order of surrender, "The Army will act in accordance with the Imperial Decision to the last." An agreement was ultimately signed by each of the most important officers present, including Minister of War Anami, Chief of the Army General Staff Umezu, commander of the 1st General Army Field Marshal Sugiyama Hajime, commander of the 2nd General Army Field Marshal Hata Shunroku and Inspector-General of Military Training Doihara Kenji. When Umezu voiced concern about air units causing trouble, Vice Minister of War Wakamatsu Tadaichi took the agreement next door to the Air General Army headquarters, where its commander Kawabe Masakazu, the brother of Torashirō also signed. The document would serve to seriously impede any attempt to incite a coup in Tokyo. Simultaneously, the Foreign Ministry transmitted orders to its embassies in Switzerland and Sweden to accept the Allied terms of surrender, which were received in Washington at 02:49 on August 14. Anticipating difficulties with senior commanders on distant war fronts, three princes of the Imperial Family, who held military commissions, were dispatched to deliver the news personally. By 19:00, the text of the Imperial Rescript on surrender was finalized, transcribed by the official court calligrapher, and presented to the cabinet for their signatures. Around 23:00, the Emperor, with assistance from an NHK recording crew, made a gramophone record of himself reading the rescript. At long last, Japan had admitted defeat.  However at around 21:30 on 14 August, the conspirators led by Hatanaka set their plan into motion. The Second Regiment of the First Imperial Guards had entered the palace grounds, doubling the strength of the battalion already stationed there, presumably to provide extra protection against Hatanaka's rebellion. But Hatanaka, along with Lt. Col. Shiizaki Jirō, convinced the commander of the 2nd Regiment of the First Imperial Guards, Colonel Haga Toyojirō, of their cause, by telling him (falsely) that Generals Anami and Umezu, and the commanders of the Eastern District Army and Imperial Guards Divisions were all in on the plan. Hatanaka also went to the office of Tanaka Shizuichi, commander of the Eastern region of the army, to try to persuade him to join the coup. Tanaka refused, and ordered Hatanaka to go home. Hatanaka ignored the order. Originally, Hatanaka hoped that simply occupying the palace and showing the beginnings of a rebellion would inspire the rest of the Army to rise up against the move to surrender. This notion guided him through much of the last days and hours and gave him the blind optimism to move ahead with the plan, despite having little support from his superiors. Having set all the pieces into position, Hatanaka and his co-conspirators decided that the Guard would take over the palace at 02:00. The hours until then were spent in continued attempts to convince their superiors in the Army to join the coup. Hatanaka, Shiizaki, Ida, and Captain Shigetarō Uehara (of the Air Force Academy) went to the office of Lt. Gen. Takeshi Mori to ask him to join the coup. Mori was in a meeting with his brother-in-law Michinori Shiraishi. The cooperation of Mori, who was the commander of the 1st Imperial Guards Division, was vital. When Mori refused to side with Hatanaka, Hatanaka killed him, fearing Mori would order the Guards to stop the rebellion. Uehara killed Shiraishi. These were the only two murders of the night. Hatanaka then used General Mori's official stamp to authorize Imperial Guards Division Strategic Order No. 584, a false set of orders created by his co-conspirators, which would greatly increase the strength of the forces occupying the Imperial Palace and Imperial Household Ministry, and "protecting" the Emperor. The rebels, led by Hatanaka, spent the next several hours fruitlessly searching for the recordings of the surrender speech, failing to locate them amid a blackout caused by American bombings. Around the same time, another group of Hatanaka's rebels, led by Captain Takeo Sasaki, targeted Prime Minister Suzuki's office with the intent to kill him. When they found it empty, they opened fire with machine guns, devastating the office, and then set the building ablaze before departing for Suzuki's home. Fortunately, Hisatsune Sakomizu, the chief secretary to Suzuki's Cabinet, had warned Suzuki, enabling him to escape just minutes before the assassins arrived. After setting fire to Suzuki's residence, the rebels then proceeded to the estate of Kiichirō Hiranuma, aiming to assassinate him as well. Hiranuma managed to escape through a side gate, but the rebels torched his house too. In the aftermath, Suzuki spent the remainder of August under police protection, sleeping in a different bed each night to avoid detection. Around 03:00, Hatanaka was informed that the Eastern District Army was on its way to the palace to confront him and urged him to surrender. As Hatanaka saw his plan collapse around him, he pleaded with Tatsuhiko Takashima, the Chief of Staff of the Eastern District Army, for airtime on NHK radio to explain his intentions to the Japanese people. His request was denied. Meanwhile, Colonel Haga, commander of the 2nd Regiment of the First Imperial Guards, learned that the Army did not support Hatanaka's rebellion and ordered him to vacate the palace grounds. Just before 05:00, while his rebels continued their search, Major Hatanaka went to the NHK studios, desperately trying to secure airtime to convey his actions. However, slightly over an hour later, after receiving a phone call from the Eastern District Army, Hatanaka finally conceded defeat. He gathered his officers and left the NHK studio, feeling the weight of his failed coup. At dawn, General Tanaka learned that the palace had been invaded, so he went there to confront the rebellious officers. He berated them for acting against the spirit of the Japanese army and ultimately convinced them to return to their barracks. By 08:00 on August 15, the rebellion was entirely dismantled. Although they had held the palace grounds for much of the night, they ultimately failed to find the recordings. After his failed coup, Hatanaka took his own life before witnessing Japan's surrender. While TF-38 refueled on August 14, Halsey signaled McCain, stating, “I intend to strike the same general target area on the fifteenth.” McCain informed TF-38, “Our orders to strike indicate the enemy may have dropped an unacceptable joker into the surrender terms. This war could last many months longer. We cannot afford to relax. Now is the time to pour it on.” In fact, the Western Allies had sunk their last Japanese ships of the war that day, when submarines USS Torsk (SS-423) and USS Spikefish (SS-404) torpedoed I-373 and two small escort ships in the East China Sea, resulting in the death of 112 Japanese sailors. The following morning, August 15, the Third Fleet launched its first strike of 103 aircraft at 04:15 hours. At 06:14, just as the first strike was returning and the second strike was five minutes from the target, Halsey was ordered by Nimitz, “Air attack will be suspended. Acknowledge.” Shortly afterward, an officer burst in, waving a transcript—President Truman's official peace announcement. Halsey erupted with exuberance, “pounding the shoulders of everyone within reach.” He recalled, “My first thought at the great news was, ‘Victory!' My second was, ‘God be thanked, I'll never have to order another man out to die.'” However, within minutes, four retiring Hancock Hellcats were attacked by seven Japanese fighters, resulting in the Hellcats shooting down four without loss. Over Tokorazawa airfield, northwest of Tokyo, 20 IJAAF Ki-84 “Franks” ambushed six VF-88 Hellcats from Yorktown. The Hellcats managed to shoot down nine Franks but lost four of their own, along with their pilots. Rawlings' dawn strikes were intercepted by about 12 Zeros. Escorting Seafires shot down eight Zeros but lost one, while an Avenger downed a ninth Zero. Tragically, seven TF-38 flyers never returned. During the morning, Halsey launched his last strike of the war, but was soon ordered by Admiral Nimitz to suspend all air attacks. At 12:00, the Emperor's recorded speech to the nation, reading the Imperial Rescript on the Termination of the War, was finally broadcast. The war was over… or was it really? I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. As Prime Minister Suzuki and his cabinet debated surrender, the Emperor Hirohito finally accepted the Potsdam Declaration, conditionally ensuring the imperial family's continuity. However, conspirators attempted a coup to prevent the surrender, ultimately failing. By August 15, Japan officially surrendered, marking the end of the Pacific War.

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Friendship & Focus: A Lesson from Hokkaido's Library Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-08-10-22-34-01-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 夏の日差しが窓から差し込み、北海道大学の図書館は静かで涼しい避難場所だった。En: The summer sunlight streamed through the window, and the library at Hokkaido University was a quiet and cool refuge.Ja: 外では、お盆の準備が進んでいたが、ここでは時間が止まっているようだった。En: Outside, preparations for Obon were underway, but it felt as if time had stopped here.Ja: ハルトとユキは、来たる試験に向けて集中的に勉強していた。En: Haruto and Yuki were focusing intensely on preparing for the upcoming exams.Ja: ハルトは優秀な学生だった。En: Haruto was an excellent student.Ja: 彼の目標は、奨学金を得るために試験で高い点数を取ることだった。En: His goal was to score highly on the exams to obtain a scholarship.Ja: しかし、彼の心の奥には失敗への恐れがあった。En: However, deep down, he had a fear of failure.Ja: 一方、ユキは楽しげで、明るい友達だったが、ハルトについていくのがやっとだった。En: On the other hand, Yuki was a cheerful, bright friend, but she was barely keeping up with Haruto.Ja: 彼女も密かに、自分の力を証明したいと思っていた。En: She, too, secretly wanted to prove her capabilities.Ja: 「この問題集、難しいね」とユキは小声で言った。En: "This workbook is difficult," Yuki whispered.Ja: 「うん、でもがんばれば大丈夫だよ」とハルトは励ました。En: "Yeah, but if we keep at it, we'll be fine," Haruto encouraged her.Ja: しかし、お盆の祭りの音楽が耳に入ると、集中力が途切れそうになった。En: However, as the music from the Obon festival reached their ears, it almost broke their concentration.Ja: ユキは今夜、少しの時間だけ祭りに行こうかと考えていた。En: Yuki was contemplating whether to go to the festival for a little while that evening.Ja: 「ハルト、少し休んで、祭りに行こうよ」とユキが提案した。En: "Haruto, let's take a break and go to the festival," Yuki suggested.Ja: 「いや、僕はここで勉強を続けるよ。En: "No, I'm going to keep studying here.Ja: 時間がない」とハルトは答えた。En: We don't have much time," Haruto replied.Ja: しかし、次の日、二人の間には緊張感が漂った。En: However, the next day, tension lingered between them.Ja: 図書館での勉強中、ユキはついに不満を爆発させた。En: While studying in the library, Yuki finally burst out with frustration.Ja: 「私は、ハルトにはついていけないかも」と涙をこらえながら言った。En: "I might not be able to keep up with you, Haruto," she said, holding back tears.Ja: 「ごめん、ユキ。En: "I'm sorry, Yuki.Ja: 本当に君をプレッシャーに感じさせたくなかったんだ」とハルトは申し訳なさそうに言った。En: I really didn't want to make you feel pressured," Haruto said apologetically.Ja: すると、二人は静かにお互いの気持ちを話し合い始めた。En: Then, they quietly began to talk about their feelings with each other.Ja: 「私は、ただ仲間として支えたいだけなの」とユキが続けた。En: "I just want to support you as a friend," Yuki continued.Ja: 「僕も、ユキと一緒に楽しむことを忘れていたね」とハルトは優しく言った。En: "I forgot about enjoying things together with you, too," Haruto said gently.Ja: それから、二人はお盆の間、勉強と祭りの両方を楽しむ計画を立てた。En: After that, they made plans to enjoy both studying and the Obon festival.Ja: 短い休憩を挟むことで、かえって集中力が高まることを理解したのだ。En: They realized that taking short breaks actually improved their concentration.Ja: お盆の明るい提灯の光が図書館の窓からほのかに見えた。En: The faint light of the bright Obon lanterns could be seen from the library window.Ja: 二人は、友情とバランスの大切さを心に刻み、また勉強に戻ったのだった。En: They etched the importance of friendship and balance in their hearts and returned to their studies. Vocabulary Words:streamed: 差し込むrefuge: 避難場所underway: 進んでいるfocus: 集中するupcoming: 来たるscholarship: 奨学金contemplating: 考えていたtension: 緊張感lingered: 漂ったburst out: 不満を爆発させたfrustration: 不満apologetically: 申し訳なさそうにquietly: 静かにsupport: 支えるeternally: 永遠にetched: 刻むbalance: バランスimportance: 大切さlanterns: 提灯cheerful: 楽しげbarely: やっとcapabilities: 力whispered: 小声で言ったfestival: 祭りconcentration: 集中力plan: 計画realized: 理解したfaint: ほのかbright: 明るいongoing: 進行中の

What started out an a backyard experiment for Nelson-based Yuki Fukuda, her patch of rice paddy is now showing promise of growing further. Yuki's an ecologist and is deeply concerned with the state of world when it comes to climate change. Growing food, rice, particularly, is an extension of her consciousness around the topicGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: A Rainy Day's Muse: Finding Inspiration in the Tokyo Museum Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-08-09-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 夏のある日、東京国立博物館はいつもより賑わっていました。En: On a summer day, the Tokyo National Museum was busier than usual.Ja: 特別な展示があり、多くの人が訪れていました。En: There was a special exhibition, attracting a large number of visitors.Ja: しかし、外は突然の雨嵐。出られなくなった訪問者たちで、館内はさらに混雑していました。En: However, outside, a sudden rainstorm made it impossible to leave, and the inside became even more crowded with stranded visitors.Ja: 雨の音がガラスの天井を叩く中、若い美術学生のユキは一つの絵画の前で立ち止まっていました。En: As the sound of rain pounded on the glass ceiling, a young art student named Yuki stopped in front of a painting.Ja: 心の奥には自分の能力への不安があり、周りの評判を気にしていました。En: Deep inside, she was anxious about her own abilities and concerned about others' opinions.Ja: 彼女は絵画からインスピレーションを得ようとしていましたが、雑踏の中で集中できずにいました。En: She was trying to draw inspiration from the painting but couldn't focus amidst the hustle and bustle.Ja: 「こんにちは、ユキさん。」突然の声がユキの注意を引きました。En: "Hello, Yuki." A sudden voice drew Yuki's attention.Ja: 博物館のガイドであるヒロシです。En: It was Hiroshi, a museum guide.Ja: 彼は明るく自信にあふれているように見えましたが、自分自身の芸術家としての道に悩んでいました。En: He seemed bright and full of confidence, but he was also struggling with his own path as an artist.Ja: 「この絵、素晴らしいですね。何か感じますか？」En: "This painting is wonderful, isn't it? Do you feel anything?"Ja: ユキは少し戸惑いながら、「はい、でもよくわからなくて...。」と答えました。En: Yuki, a bit perplexed, replied, "Yes, but I'm not really sure..."Ja: そのとき、ヒロシの隣にいたアキコという年配の女性が微笑みました。En: At that moment, an elderly woman named Akiko, who was standing next to Hiroshi, smiled.Ja: 「若い頃、この絵を見て、私は決断しました。En: "When I was young, I saw this painting and made my decision.Ja: 大事なのは自分を信じることです。」En: The important thing is to believe in yourself."Ja: アキコは日本の過去を懐かしみながら、その絵に故郷の思い出を重ねていました。En: Akiko reminisced about Japan's past, layering her hometown memories over the painting.Ja: 彼女は昔、こうした絵に触発され、自分の人生を選んできたと言います。En: She said that she had been inspired by such paintings and had chosen her life path.Ja: ヒロシも、自分の中の葛藤と夢の話を始めました。En: Hiroshi also began to talk about his own struggles and dreams.Ja: 三人の会話が続く中、ユキは新しい視点を得ていました。En: As the conversation among the three continued, Yuki gained a new perspective.Ja: 結局、芸術は他人の評価ではなく、自分の思いを表現する手段であると気付きました。En: She realized that art is not about others' evaluations but a means to express one's own feelings.Ja: そのとき、ユキは古い絵の中の幽玄な美しさに心を奪われました。En: At that moment, she was captivated by the profound beauty within the old painting.Ja: 瞬間、彼女は自分の限界を超える力を感じました。En: In an instant, she felt a power that surpassed her limits.Ja: 雨が止み、館内は少し静かになりました。En: The rain stopped, and the museum became slightly quieter.Ja: ユキは深呼吸をして、「ありがとう。En: Yuki took a deep breath and said to the two, "Thank you.Ja: 私はもっと自分を信じます。」と二人に伝えました。En: I will trust myself more."Ja: 彼女はもう一度絵を見て、自分のアートに伝統と個性を融合させたいという新しい決意を固めました。En: She looked at the painting again, firming her new resolve to fuse tradition and individuality in her art.Ja: 雨が止んだ外の世界に向かう三人。En: The three headed out into the world where the rain had stopped.Ja: ユキの足取りは軽く、新しいインスピレーションに満ちていました。En: Yuki walked lightly, filled with new inspiration.Ja: ヒロシもアキコも、彼女の背中を見送りながらそれぞれの道を歩み始めました。En: Both Hiroshi and Akiko watched her back and began to walk their own paths.Ja: それぞれが心に新たな光を得て、次の一歩を踏み出します…En: Each had found a new light in their hearts and took the next step forward... Vocabulary Words:exhibition: 展示rainstorm: 雨嵐stranded: 出られなくなったanxious: 不安hustle and bustle: 雑踏perplexed: 戸惑いながらelderly: 年配reminisced: 懐かしみながらlayering: 重ねていましたprofound: 幽玄なcaptivated: 心を奪われましたresolve: 決意inspiration: インスピレーションevaluate: 評価confidence: 自信perspective: 視点tradition: 伝統fuse: 融合させるindividually: 個性art student: 美術学生museum guide: 博物館のガイドtook a deep breath: 深呼吸をしてfull of confidence: 自信にあふれているopinions: 評判ability: 能力drawing: 描くexpress: 表現するlimits: 限界memories: 思い出decision: 決断

We jump to three episodes this week! But first, Sarah and Joe had pretty mild weeks. Not much going on it seems so we talk about a bunch of random stuff.In A Sign of Affection, Yuki and Itsuomi take the plunge! Wow! So quick! And we get what seems like an end-of-show credit sequence on episode 6, so that's pretty weird. There is more to this show for sure, we gotta learn like backstories and stuff. But with only 5 episodes left, how much can we learn??

This Week’s SPECIAL Featured Interview: On the anniversary of the US atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, a look at what this meant for further generations’ health and psychology. Yuki Miyamoto is Nisei Hibakusha, second generation daughter of an atomic bomb survivor, and brings a personal perspective to her powerful work. She is a Professor...

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Under Kyoto's Lanterns: A Journey to Healing and Hope Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-08-05-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 京都の隠れた小道に、そのお茶屋はありました。En: In a hidden alley in Kyoto, there was a teahouse.Ja: オボンのために賑やかに飾られた色とりどりの提灯が、穏やかな鴨川を見下ろしながらそよ風に揺れていました。En: The colorful lanterns, decorated festively for Obon, swayed in the gentle breeze while overlooking the tranquil Kamogawa River.Ja: この静かな場所は、心を落ち着かせるのにぴったりでした。En: This quiet place was perfect for calming the mind.Ja: ある夏の日の午後、ハルキとユキはお茶屋の玄関をくぐりました。En: One summer afternoon, Haruki and Yuki stepped into the entrance of the teahouse.Ja: ユキは心の病気の診断を受けたばかりで、不安そうにしていました。En: Yuki had just received a diagnosis for a mental health condition and appeared anxious.Ja: 「今日は一緒にのんびりしよう」とハルキは優しく提案しました。En: "Let's take it easy together today," Haruki gently suggested.Ja: ユキは座敷に腰を下ろし、お茶を飲みながら窓の外を眺めました。En: Yuki sat down on the traditional seating and gazed out the window while sipping tea.Ja: 「お祭りに行きたいけど、体が心配で...」とユキは小声で言いました。En: "I'd like to go to the festival, but I'm worried about my health," Yuki murmured softly.Ja: その時、オーナーのソウタが現れました。En: At that moment, the owner, Sota, appeared.Ja: 「ここからでも十分楽しめますよ。提灯を見るだけでも気持ちが楽しくなります」と微笑みました。En: "You can enjoy it well enough from here. Just seeing the lanterns can lift your spirits," he smiled.Ja: 夕暮れが訪れる頃、川沿いでは灯籠流しが始まりました。En: By the time evening approached, the toro nagashi began along the riverside.Ja: 光が水面に揺れる様子を、二人はしばらく黙って見つめていました。En: For a while, the two of them silently watched the lights flicker on the water's surface.Ja: ハルキは口を開きました。「心配し過ぎないで。みんな君のことを大切に思っているから。」En: Haruki spoke up, "Don't worry too much. Everyone cares about you."Ja: するとユキが答えました。「ありがとう、私、もっとポジティブになろうって思ったの。」En: Then Yuki responded, "Thank you, I've decided to become more positive."Ja: ソウタはお茶を注ぎながら静かに耳を傾けていました。En: Sota, while pouring tea, listened quietly.Ja: 話は深まり、ユキは自分の怖さを初めて打ち明けました。En: The conversation deepened, and Yuki admitted her fears for the first time.Ja: 「でも、こんな風に心を許して話せるのは安心。」En: "But being able to talk openly like this is reassuring."Ja: やがて夜が更け、心温まるひとときが終わろうとしていました。En: Eventually, as night advanced, their heartwarming time was drawing to an end.Ja: ユキは微笑み、決意が湧いていました。En: Yuki smiled, a new determination rising within her.Ja: 「これからの全ての時間を大切に生きる。」En: "I will cherish every moment from now on."Ja: ハルキはユキの手を優しく握り、「僕も一緒に支えるよ」と誓いました。En: Haruki gently held Yuki's hand and promised, "I'll support you together."Ja: こうして二人は、お茶屋を後にしました。En: With that, the two of them left the teahouse.Ja: 新しい希望を胸に抱え、穏やかな夜風に吹かれながら、また一歩を踏み出しました。En: Holding new hope in their hearts, they took another step forward, blown by the gentle night breeze.Ja: それは小さな変化を伴い、強い絆をさらに深めました。En: It was accompanied by a small change and further deepened their strong bond. Vocabulary Words:hidden: 隠れたalley: 小道teahouse: お茶屋lanterns: 提灯festively: 賑やかにoverlooking: 見下ろしながらtranquil: 穏やかなbreeze: そよ風diagnosis: 診断anxious: 不安そうsuggested: 提案しましたseating: 座敷gazed: 眺めましたmurmured: 小声で言いましたspirits: 気持ちtoro nagashi: 灯籠流しriverside: 川沿いflicker: 揺れるsurface: 水面admitted: 打ち明けましたreassuring: 安心night advanced: 夜が更けdetermination: 決意cherish: 大切にpromised: 誓いましたholding: 抱えhope: 希望accompanied: 伴いbond: 絆deepen: 深めました

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupYuki Kinoshita returns to the DTC Podcast with an inside look at how Plufl turned viral buzz into sustainable growth. Since his first appearance, the brand has passed $4M in sales, added new SKUs like the Hugl cooling pillow, and faced a near-$8M retail setback due to sudden U.S. tariffs.In this episode, Yuki breaks down how Plufl:Navigated a 145% import tariff while keeping prices stableCut landed costs by $10+ per unit by reengineering their packagingTransitioned from novelty product to year-round problem-solverLeveraged creator content and press placements to power top-of-funnelUsed customer pain points to inform product developmentFor DTC founders navigating platform volatility, sourcing challenges, and product innovation, this episode delivers tactical insight.Timestamps:00:00 How Plufl went viral and dealt with knockoffs02:00 Shark Tank, tariffs, and losing $7M in retail deals08:00 Why Vietnam manufacturing isn't always cheaper12:00 Cutting COGS with packaging and operations18:00 The product that made Plufl profitable year-round24:00 Creating pet-parent solutions from customer feedback28:00 Seven figures from QVC and shopping networks32:00 PR, gift guides, and listicles as growth levers34:00 TikTok creator seeding and whitelisting strategy38:00 What's next for Plufl and the foundersHashtags:#d2cpodcast #plufl #dtcbrands #founderstory #ecommercegrowth #retailstrategy #tiktokmarketing #tariffimpact #prstrategy #productlaunch Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupAdvertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertiseWork with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouseFollow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletterWatch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Healing in Shinjuku: Bonding Through Memory and Loss Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-08-02-22-34-01-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 新宿御苑の中、夏の日差しが木々の間からやさしく降り注いでいました。En: In Shinjuku Gyoen, the summer sunlight gently streamed through the trees.Ja: 緑がいっぱいで、時々鈴虫の鳴き声が聞こえます。En: It was full of greenery, and occasionally, the chirping of crickets could be heard.Ja: ユキとハルトは祖母のお葬式の後、ここを訪れていました。En: Yuki and Harto visited this place after their grandmother's funeral.Ja: 「ここ、静かだね」とユキが小さな声で言いました。En: "It's quiet here," Yuki said in a small voice.Ja: 兄のハルトはうなずきますが、どこか遠くを見ているようでした。En: Her brother Harto nodded, but it seemed as if he was looking far off into the distance.Ja: ユキは心にぽっかり穴が開いたようでした。En: Yuki felt as if there was a gaping hole in her heart.Ja: 祖母の思い出がつぎつぎと浮かんできます。En: Memories of her grandmother floated to mind one after another.Ja: 優しい笑顔、そして彼女が作った美味しいおはぎ。En: Her gentle smile and the delicious ohagi she made.Ja: ユキは涙を押さえながら、心の中にあることを兄に話したいと思いました。En: Holding back tears, Yuki wanted to talk to her brother about what was in her heart.Ja: でも、ハルトはずっと黙ったままでした。En: However, Harto remained silent.Ja: 池のそばに座った時、ユキは小さく息を吐きました。En: When they sat by the pond, Yuki let out a small sigh.Ja: そして、決心しました。En: Then she made up her mind.Ja: 「おばあちゃんがいなくて、とても寂しいよ」とユキが言いました。En: "I miss Grandma so much," Yuki said.Ja: ハルトは少し驚いたように見えましたが、優しく答えました。En: Harto looked a little surprised but answered gently.Ja: 「僕も同じだよ、ユキ。でも、強くいなくちゃいけないと思ってたんだ」En: "I feel the same, Yuki. But I thought we had to be strong."Ja: ハルトは少し微笑んで、妹の肩を軽く叩きました。En: Harto smiled slightly and lightly patted his sister's shoulder.Ja: 「一緒に思い出を大切にしよう？」と彼は言いました。En: "Shall we cherish the memories together?" he asked.Ja: ユキは涙ぐみながら、頷きました。En: Yuki, on the verge of tears, nodded.Ja: 二人はしばらくの間、祖母のことを話し合いました。En: They talked about their grandmother for a while.Ja: 彼女の好きなお花、彼女が教えてくれた歌。En: Her favorite flowers, the songs she taught them.Ja: 時間はあっという間に過ぎ、二人は池のほとりから立ち上がりました。En: Time passed quickly, and the two stood up from the edge of the pond.Ja: 新宿御苑の出口へ向かう道を歩きながら、今までよりも互いを近くに感じていました。En: As they walked towards the exit of Shinjuku Gyoen, they felt closer to each other than before.Ja: 静かで穏やかな時間が二人の心を少しだけ軽くしました。En: The quiet and peaceful time made their hearts feel a little lighter.Ja: 「ありがとう、ハルト」とユキは言いました。En: "Thank you, Harto," Yuki said.Ja: 「一緒にいてくれて、嬉しいよ」En: "I'm glad you're with me."Ja: 「僕もだよ、ユキ」とハルトは微笑みました。En: "Me too, Yuki," Harto smiled.Ja: 二人は共に歩きながら、お互いを支えることの大切さを感じました。En: As they walked together, they felt the importance of supporting each other.Ja: 喧騒の中、二人の心はつながり、未来に向かう力を受け取ったのでした。En: Amidst the hustle and bustle, their hearts connected, receiving the strength to face the future. Vocabulary Words:streamed: 降り注いでchirping: 鳴き声gaping: ぽっかりmemories: 思い出floated: 浮かんでdelicious: 美味しいhold back: 押さえsilent: 黙ったsurprised: 驚いたcherish: 大切にverge: 涙ぐみslightly: 少しstrength: 力supporting: 支えるhustle and bustle: 喧騒exit: 出口peaceful: 穏やかなpat: 叩きreceive: 受け取ったconnected: つながりimportance: 大切さfuneral: お葬式occasionally: 時々decided: 決心slightly: 少しpond: 池gentle: 優しいflowers: お花songs: 歌felt: 感じた

Today Nemo and Marik and Enoch play the Yuki Kit challenge! Make sure to leave a 5 star review on Spotify and send in an email to be featured in a future episodeConsider subscribing to the Patreon for exclusive content! patreon.com/eternalbrawlYT- nemoBSEmail- eternalbrawlpodcast@gmail.com Main Club- Eternal Legion | #2UGJVQJVV2nd Club- Eternal Army | #R9YJCUVU

Gardens are often spaces of hope, expected to solve many problems in a city including food insecurity and climate resilience. In fact, there has been a historical trend of urban gardening gaining popularity during times of crisis. Gardens of Hope is the story of urban gardening in New Orleans in the decade after Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. Yuki Kato highlights the impact urban gardens have on communities after disasters and the efforts of well-intended individuals envisioning alternative futures in the form of urban farming. Drawing on repeated interviews with residents who began cultivation projects in New Orleans between 2005 and 2015, Kato explains how good intentions and grit were not enough to implement or sustain urban gardeners' visions for the post-disaster city's future. Coining the term “prefigurative urbanism,” Kato illustrates how individuals tried to realize alternative ways of living and working in the city through pragmatism and innovation. Gardens of Hope asks key questions about what inspires and enables individuals to pursue prefigurative urbanism and about the potential and limitations of this form of civic engagement to bring about short- and long-term changes in cities undergoing transformation, from gentrification, post-pandemic recovery, to climate change. Yuki Kato is Associate Professor at the Department of Sociology at Georgetown University. She is an urban sociologist whose research interests intersect the subfields of social stratification, food and environment justice, culture and consumption, and symbolic interaction. She is the co-editor of A Recipe for Gentrification: Food, Power, and Resistance in the City (NYU Press, 2020). Yadong Li is a socio-cultural anthropologist-in-training. He is registered as a PhD student at Tulane University. His research interests lie at the intersection of economic anthropology, development studies, hope studies, and the anthropology of borders and frontiers. More details about his scholarship and research interests can be found here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/sociology

Gardens are often spaces of hope, expected to solve many problems in a city including food insecurity and climate resilience. In fact, there has been a historical trend of urban gardening gaining popularity during times of crisis. Gardens of Hope is the story of urban gardening in New Orleans in the decade after Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. Yuki Kato highlights the impact urban gardens have on communities after disasters and the efforts of well-intended individuals envisioning alternative futures in the form of urban farming. Drawing on repeated interviews with residents who began cultivation projects in New Orleans between 2005 and 2015, Kato explains how good intentions and grit were not enough to implement or sustain urban gardeners' visions for the post-disaster city's future. Coining the term “prefigurative urbanism,” Kato illustrates how individuals tried to realize alternative ways of living and working in the city through pragmatism and innovation. Gardens of Hope asks key questions about what inspires and enables individuals to pursue prefigurative urbanism and about the potential and limitations of this form of civic engagement to bring about short- and long-term changes in cities undergoing transformation, from gentrification, post-pandemic recovery, to climate change. Yuki Kato is Associate Professor at the Department of Sociology at Georgetown University. She is an urban sociologist whose research interests intersect the subfields of social stratification, food and environment justice, culture and consumption, and symbolic interaction. She is the co-editor of A Recipe for Gentrification: Food, Power, and Resistance in the City (NYU Press, 2020). Yadong Li is a socio-cultural anthropologist-in-training. He is registered as a PhD student at Tulane University. His research interests lie at the intersection of economic anthropology, development studies, hope studies, and the anthropology of borders and frontiers. More details about his scholarship and research interests can be found here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/american-studies

Gardens are often spaces of hope, expected to solve many problems in a city including food insecurity and climate resilience. In fact, there has been a historical trend of urban gardening gaining popularity during times of crisis. Gardens of Hope is the story of urban gardening in New Orleans in the decade after Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. Yuki Kato highlights the impact urban gardens have on communities after disasters and the efforts of well-intended individuals envisioning alternative futures in the form of urban farming. Drawing on repeated interviews with residents who began cultivation projects in New Orleans between 2005 and 2015, Kato explains how good intentions and grit were not enough to implement or sustain urban gardeners' visions for the post-disaster city's future. Coining the term “prefigurative urbanism,” Kato illustrates how individuals tried to realize alternative ways of living and working in the city through pragmatism and innovation. Gardens of Hope asks key questions about what inspires and enables individuals to pursue prefigurative urbanism and about the potential and limitations of this form of civic engagement to bring about short- and long-term changes in cities undergoing transformation, from gentrification, post-pandemic recovery, to climate change. Yuki Kato is Associate Professor at the Department of Sociology at Georgetown University. She is an urban sociologist whose research interests intersect the subfields of social stratification, food and environment justice, culture and consumption, and symbolic interaction. She is the co-editor of A Recipe for Gentrification: Food, Power, and Resistance in the City (NYU Press, 2020). Yadong Li is a socio-cultural anthropologist-in-training. He is registered as a PhD student at Tulane University. His research interests lie at the intersection of economic anthropology, development studies, hope studies, and the anthropology of borders and frontiers. More details about his scholarship and research interests can be found here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Gardens are often spaces of hope, expected to solve many problems in a city including food insecurity and climate resilience. In fact, there has been a historical trend of urban gardening gaining popularity during times of crisis. Gardens of Hope is the story of urban gardening in New Orleans in the decade after Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. Yuki Kato highlights the impact urban gardens have on communities after disasters and the efforts of well-intended individuals envisioning alternative futures in the form of urban farming. Drawing on repeated interviews with residents who began cultivation projects in New Orleans between 2005 and 2015, Kato explains how good intentions and grit were not enough to implement or sustain urban gardeners' visions for the post-disaster city's future. Coining the term “prefigurative urbanism,” Kato illustrates how individuals tried to realize alternative ways of living and working in the city through pragmatism and innovation. Gardens of Hope asks key questions about what inspires and enables individuals to pursue prefigurative urbanism and about the potential and limitations of this form of civic engagement to bring about short- and long-term changes in cities undergoing transformation, from gentrification, post-pandemic recovery, to climate change. Yuki Kato is Associate Professor at the Department of Sociology at Georgetown University. She is an urban sociologist whose research interests intersect the subfields of social stratification, food and environment justice, culture and consumption, and symbolic interaction. She is the co-editor of A Recipe for Gentrification: Food, Power, and Resistance in the City (NYU Press, 2020). Yadong Li is a socio-cultural anthropologist-in-training. He is registered as a PhD student at Tulane University. His research interests lie at the intersection of economic anthropology, development studies, hope studies, and the anthropology of borders and frontiers. More details about his scholarship and research interests can be found here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/environmental-studies

Gardens are often spaces of hope, expected to solve many problems in a city including food insecurity and climate resilience. In fact, there has been a historical trend of urban gardening gaining popularity during times of crisis. Gardens of Hope is the story of urban gardening in New Orleans in the decade after Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. Yuki Kato highlights the impact urban gardens have on communities after disasters and the efforts of well-intended individuals envisioning alternative futures in the form of urban farming. Drawing on repeated interviews with residents who began cultivation projects in New Orleans between 2005 and 2015, Kato explains how good intentions and grit were not enough to implement or sustain urban gardeners' visions for the post-disaster city's future. Coining the term “prefigurative urbanism,” Kato illustrates how individuals tried to realize alternative ways of living and working in the city through pragmatism and innovation. Gardens of Hope asks key questions about what inspires and enables individuals to pursue prefigurative urbanism and about the potential and limitations of this form of civic engagement to bring about short- and long-term changes in cities undergoing transformation, from gentrification, post-pandemic recovery, to climate change. Yuki Kato is Associate Professor at the Department of Sociology at Georgetown University. She is an urban sociologist whose research interests intersect the subfields of social stratification, food and environment justice, culture and consumption, and symbolic interaction. She is the co-editor of A Recipe for Gentrification: Food, Power, and Resistance in the City (NYU Press, 2020). Yadong Li is a socio-cultural anthropologist-in-training. He is registered as a PhD student at Tulane University. His research interests lie at the intersection of economic anthropology, development studies, hope studies, and the anthropology of borders and frontiers. More details about his scholarship and research interests can be found here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/anthropology

Gardens are often spaces of hope, expected to solve many problems in a city including food insecurity and climate resilience. In fact, there has been a historical trend of urban gardening gaining popularity during times of crisis. Gardens of Hope is the story of urban gardening in New Orleans in the decade after Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. Yuki Kato highlights the impact urban gardens have on communities after disasters and the efforts of well-intended individuals envisioning alternative futures in the form of urban farming. Drawing on repeated interviews with residents who began cultivation projects in New Orleans between 2005 and 2015, Kato explains how good intentions and grit were not enough to implement or sustain urban gardeners' visions for the post-disaster city's future. Coining the term “prefigurative urbanism,” Kato illustrates how individuals tried to realize alternative ways of living and working in the city through pragmatism and innovation. Gardens of Hope asks key questions about what inspires and enables individuals to pursue prefigurative urbanism and about the potential and limitations of this form of civic engagement to bring about short- and long-term changes in cities undergoing transformation, from gentrification, post-pandemic recovery, to climate change. Yuki Kato is Associate Professor at the Department of Sociology at Georgetown University. She is an urban sociologist whose research interests intersect the subfields of social stratification, food and environment justice, culture and consumption, and symbolic interaction. She is the co-editor of A Recipe for Gentrification: Food, Power, and Resistance in the City (NYU Press, 2020). Yadong Li is a socio-cultural anthropologist-in-training. He is registered as a PhD student at Tulane University. His research interests lie at the intersection of economic anthropology, development studies, hope studies, and the anthropology of borders and frontiers. More details about his scholarship and research interests can be found here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/food

We're return this week for episodes 3 and 4. But first, Sarah and Joe catch up on the trials of social drinking as not so outgoing folks. In a sign of affection we go to Costo. Yuki and Itsuomi are hitting it off pretty well even though everyone thinks he's weird and distant. It's actually going fine. Don't worry about it. Oushi is worried about it, but we don't really like him so who cares. Surely no drama will happen and everything will be straight-forward from here! As stated in the pod, next time we'll be watching three episodes so look forward to a slightly faster pace!

In this packed episode of The Horns Over Hoops Podcast, your hosts Sal-Bass, Scott Berman, and Dan Gracey break down all the latest from the NBA and Chicago Bulls universe. We kick things off with the fan-favorite segment "Yuki Fever," diving into Yuki Kawamura's standout Summer League performance and whether the 5'8" sensation can crack the Bulls rotation. Then we tackle the surprising return of Damian Lillard to Portland, discuss how the Trail Blazers fleeced the league with a quiet rebuild, and whether the Blazers or Bulls have the brighter future. Finally, we dive deep into the ongoing Josh Giddey contract drama. Why haven't the Bulls offered him what he wants? Is a qualifying offer coming? And would letting him walk set the franchise back even further? This is your go-to episode for Bulls fans, Giddey truthers, and anyone still in shock over Dame crawling back to Portland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode, Hannah is joined by Devyani (aka @formula_dev) to break down the 2025 Belgian GP. They chat about Nico Rosberg putting Jos Verstappen in the hot seat, the not-so-wet “wet” race at Spa, Nicole Piastri finally meeting her adopted son, Yuki, and much more!

It's the 100th episode of Shoujo Sundae! In this episode, Giana and Chika review episodes sixty-one through sixty-three of Fruits Basket (2019)! In episode sixty-one, Kyo and Tohru speak honestly about their feelings for one another, and something unexpected happens when he goes to embrace her. The origin of the Sohma family's curse is revealed and finally broken. In episode sixty-two, Yuki's bond breaks, and he and Machi share their feelings with one another. The ex-zodiacs have their final banquet, where Akito reveals herself as a woman to the family. Shigure and Akito speak of their feelings for one another as well. Kyo asks Tohru to move away with him. Kyoko's dying thoughts are revealed in full. In episode sixty-three, Tohru reminisces on her memories with the Sohmas as she and the others move onto the next chapter of their lives. The ex-zodiac members ponder the future and reflect on the past. Yuki finally tells Tohru about the motherly role she's played in his life. Grab your spoon, and let's dig in!EPISODE 61[0:51] 100th episode banter[2:28] Soft Serve Summary[4:29] Sprinkles on Top[5:58] Floats Your Boat[14:11] Banana Split[20:24] Rocky Road[26:54] Nuts[27:44] Hot Fudge[30:46] Cherry on TopEPISODE 62[31:14] Soft Serve Summary[33:16] Sprinkles on Top[34:52] Floats Your Boat[42:13] Banana Split[49:40] Rocky Road[52:51] Nuts[54:42] Hot Fudge[56:27] I Scream, You Scream[59:27] Cherry on TopEPISODE 63[1:00:14] Soft Serve Summary[1:02:15] Sprinkles on Top[1:02:29] Floats Your Boat[1:09:20] Banana Split[1:15:03] Rocky Road[1:17:39] Nuts[1:18:25] Hot Fudge[1:21:48] I Scream, You Scream[1:25:24] Cherry on TopAbout Shoujo Sundae:Shoujo Sundae is a podcast safe haven for fans that are in love with shoujo anime and manga. Hosted by Giana Luna and Chika Supreme, Shoujo Sundae aims to review and reflect on shoujo properties that deserve more attention than what they currently receive. Giana Luna is a podcaster by moonlight and a musician by daylight.Chika Supreme is a podcaster by moonlight and a social media manager by daylight.Find Shoujo Sundae wherever you listen to your podcasts: https://pod.link/1634859352If you enjoyed this episode, SHARE it with a friend and RATE/REVIEW it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!Connect with Giana, Chika, and Shoujo Sundae!Visit our website: http://shoujosundae.com Pledge on Patreon: https://patreon.com/shoujosundae Shoujo Sundae's Social Media: https://linktr.ee/shoujosundaeSend us an email: shoujosundaepodcast@gmail.comFollow Giana Luna on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/gianaluna.bsky.social Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giana_luna_ Follow Chika Supreme on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/chika.shoujosundae.com Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chikasupreme A breakdown of the Shoujo Sundae segments:-A Soft Serve Summary (episode/film recap)-Sprinkles on Top (symbolism in the media)-Floats Your Boat (enjoyed moments)-Banana Split (split opinion or confusing moments)-Rocky Road (sad moments)-Nuts (shocking moments)-Hot Fudge (hot takes or angry rants)-I Scream, You Scream (disliked moments)- Cherry on Top (favorite moment)

This week we start a brand new show! But first, Sarah and Joe catch up on our lives. Joe has now watched both Vampire Hunter D movies while Sarah showed her mom Attack on Titan. Then we get into our new show a Sign of Affection! We meet Yuki, a college kid who starts to catch some feelings for the tall and mysterious Itsuomi. Yuki, who is deaf, must put herself out there to get his attention! And she makes tons of progress compared to our other shows. Will we see some on-screen romance? Between adults? Can this truly be???

Yuki Kawamura stole the show in Las Vegas and earned a two-way contract—but can he actually crack the Bulls' crowded guard rotation? Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down the rise of “Yuki Mania,” grade performances from Matas Buzelis and rookie Noa Essengue, and share the latest on Josh Giddey's stalled contract negotiations. Plus: updates on Bulls player chemistry off the court, Derrick Rose's chess tournament takeover in Vegas, and what Damian Lillard's return to Portland means for Chicago's draft picks.