META DESCRIPTION
Discover how Japanese culture views the New Year, why December feels so busy, and how setting small goals can help you continue your Japanese language learning with confidence and calm.
INTRODUCTION
As the year comes to an end, many of us feel rushed and tired. But in Japan, this season is also about reflection, cleaning, and quietly preparing for a new beginning. In this episode, I share a gentle way to look back on the past year and think about how you can continue your Japanese language learning in a realistic and encouraging way.
◆Listener Questions
１ When do I usually get sick?
２ What does “Shiwasu” mean in Japan?
３ How many characters are covered in the Udemy katakana course?
１ 私はいつ体調を崩すか
２ 日本で師走の意味は？
３ Udemyのカタカナコースは何文字扱うか
【You can comment here】
◆Podpage
You can find my blog, episode notes, and extra learning materials here:
Official Website (Blog & Episode Notes):
https://podpage.com/learn-japanese-with-sally-intermediate-japanese-podcast-nihongo-intermediate
◆Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/16gZbg7jI2s589OJyXaC1I
◆YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@japaneseclubsola
[Free Coupon]
Listener-only offer!
Get your exclusive Udemy coupon!
Reviews are also greatly appreciated!
⚠️The coupon expires on December 24th.
１ What is Japanese?
Japanese for Beginners: Just 2 Things - Simple Grammar
２ Master Katakana: Writing & Calligraphy the Classic Way
３ Japanese 100 Basic Kanji: Write, Feel, and Truly Understand
This episode gently introduces the charm of Japanese temples, shrines, and churches through simple cultural insights.
You’ll discover surprising details about these familiar yet often overlooked places.
If this sparks your curiosity, please enjoy the full audio narration.
_________________
◆Free Extensive Reading Site
日本のお寺・神社・教会
Main Site「よみものいっぱい」
http://www17408ui.sakura.ne.jp/tatsum/project/Yomimono/Yomimono-ippai/index.html
【You can comment here】
◆Podpage
You can find my blog, episode notes, and extra learning materials here:
Official Website (Blog & Episode Notes):
https://podpage.com/learn-japanese-with-sally-intermediate-japanese-podcast-nihongo-intermediate
◆Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/16gZbg7jI2s589OJyXaC1I
◆YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@japaneseclubsola
◆My Udemy
I currently have three Japanese learning courses available.
If you’re interested, please feel free to check them out.
If you need more details about each course, I’m always happy to help.
１ What is Japanese?
Japanese for Beginners: Just 2 Things - Simple Grammar
２Katakana
Master Katakana: Writing & Calligraphy the Classic Way カタカナ
３ Kanji 100
Japanese 100 Basic Kanji: Write, Feel, and Truly Understand
Meta Description: Discover inspiring YouTube creators who speak Japanese as non-native speakers. Learn Japanese through real stories, motivation, and Easy Japanese listening practice.
Learning Japanese can feel very different when you hear real voices from people who are also on a Japanese Language Learning journey. Today, I want to introduce a meaningful YouTube channel that many Japanese for Beginners learners may enjoy, especially those who prefer Easy Japanese or slow Japanese listening.
The YouTube Video I Introduced Today
Here is the YouTube video I mentioned.
The Japanese is broken, but the sincerity and passion in his story come through clearly, even to me as a native speaker.
Please take a look.
日本語を話すフランス人のYouTube
https://youtu.be/2xGnYV1vWLo?si=LB0uqarByHorQpph
【You can comment here】
◆Podpage
You can find my blog, episode notes, and extra learning materials here:
Official Website (Blog & Episode Notes):
https://podpage.com/learn-japanese-with-sally-intermediate-japanese-podcast-nihongo-intermediate
◆Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/16gZbg7jI2s589OJyXaC1I
◆YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@japaneseclubsola
◆My Udemy
I currently have three Japanese learning courses available.
If you’re interested, please feel free to check them out.
If you need more details about each course, I’m always happy to help.
１ What is Japanese?
Japanese for Beginners: Just 2 Things - Simple Grammar
２Katakana
Master Katakana: Writing & Calligraphy the Classic Way カタカナ
３ Kanji 100
Japanese 100 Basic Kanji: Write, Feel, and Truly Understand
Introduction
If you are learning Japanese or exploring Japanese culture, understanding the seasons is a beautiful doorway into the language. In this article, I share the meaning of the Winter Solstice in Japan and how it connects to older traditions, calendars, and beliefs. This perspective can enrich your Japanese Listening Practice and support your studies as a Japanese for Beginners learner.
☃For a clear explanation of the Winter Solstice I mentioned today, please watch the video below.
冬至(とうじ)について
https://youtu.be/46tDFvDBKAg?si=DZ5CeZ_2S5vgzEhs
【You can comment here】
◆Podpage
You can find my blog, episode notes, and extra learning materials here:Official Website (Blog & Episode Notes):
https://podpage.com/learn-japanese-with-sally-intermediate-japanese-podcast-nihongo-intermediate
◆Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/16gZbg7jI2s589OJyXaC1I
◆YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@japaneseclubsola
◆My Udemy
I currently have three Japanese learning courses available.
If you’re interested, please feel free to check them out.
If you need more details about each course, I’m always happy to help.
１ What is Japanese?
Japanese for Beginners: Just 2 Things - Simple Grammar
２Katakana
Master Katakana: Writing & Calligraphy the Classic Way カタカナ
３ Kanji 100
Japanese 100 Basic Kanji: Write, Feel, and Truly Understand
[Reading:Level N4]: 熊と人間（くまとにんげん）
◆SummaryThis story looks at why bear encounters in Hokkaido have been increasing.
Instead of fear, it invites us to understand what drives bears to approach human towns and how our environment plays a role.
It’s a gentle look at the relationship between people and wildlife.
◆Listing Site
https://tadoku.info/stories/chottostories/
「Extensive Reading」
https://tadoku.info/stories/chottostories/
◆ Listener Questions
Please write about what you felt after listening to this reading.
【You can comment here】
◆Podpage
You can find my blog, episode notes, and extra learning materials here:
Official Website (Blog & Episode Notes):
https://podpage.com/learn-japanese-with-sally-intermediate-japanese-podcast-nihongo-intermediate
◆Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/16gZbg7jI2s589OJyXaC1I
◆YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@japaneseclubsola
◆My Udemy
I currently have three Japanese learning courses available.
If you’re interested, please feel free to check them out.
If you need more details about each course, I’m always happy to help.
１ What is Japanese?
Japanese for Beginners: Just 2 Things - Simple Grammar
２Katakana
Master Katakana: Writing & Calligraphy the Classic Way カタカナ
３ Kanji 100
Japanese 100 Basic Kanji: Write, Feel, and Truly Understand
◆Summary
Discover why animals in Japan—from Nara’s friendly deer to hot-spring monkeys and tiny sparrows—fascinate visitors worldwide. A gentle guide for Japanese learners and travelers.
◆Listener Questions
What animal stories have you experienced in Japan?
Please share any memorable moments you had with Japanese wildlife—deer, monkeys, sparrows, dogs, insects, anything.
【You can comment here】
◆Podpage
You can find my blog, episode notes, and extra learning materials here:
Official Website (Blog & Episode Notes):
https://podpage.com/learn-japanese-with-sally-intermediate-japanese-podcast-nihongo-intermediate
◆Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/16gZbg7jI2s589OJyXaC1I
◆YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@japaneseclubsola
◆My Udemy
I currently have three Japanese learning courses available.
If you’re interested, please feel free to check them out.
If you need more details about each course, I’m always happy to help.
１ What is Japanese?
Japanese for Beginners: Just 2 Things - Simple Grammar
２Katakana
Master Katakana: Writing & Calligraphy the Classic Way カタカナ
３ Kanji 100
Japanese 100 Basic Kanji: Write, Feel, and Truly Understand
Easy Japanese Listening Practice for Japanese Learners as I talk about dogs, cats, and the differences between pet life in Japan and abroad.
１坂上家のチャンネル Sakagami channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUYk7t7glHFqIZ3rwN1dY6A
２「さかがみ家のチャンネル」（保護ハウス）
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3Q-ctEYeOlYMECGzGBSrIg
３TV フジテレビ「坂上どうぶつ王国」
https://www.fujitv.co.jp/sakagamidoubutsu/
＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿
◆Listener Questions
1 Are you a dog person or a cat person?
2 Do you have a dog or a cat? How do you keep them—indoors or outdoors?
3 Have you ever owned any unusual pets?
【You can comment here】
◆Podpage
You can find my blog, episode notes, and extra learning materials here:
Official Website (Blog & Episode Notes):
https://podpage.com/learn-japanese-with-sally-intermediate-japanese-podcast-nihongo-intermediate
◆Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/16gZbg7jI2s589OJyXaC1I
◆YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@japaneseclubsola
◆My Udemy
I currently have three Japanese learning courses available.
If you’re interested, please feel free to check them out.
If you need more details about each course, I’m always happy to help.
１ What is Japanese?
Japanese for Beginners: Just 2 Things - Simple Grammar
２Katakana
Master Katakana: Writing & Calligraphy the Classic Way カタカナ
３ Kanji 100
Japanese 100 Basic Kanji: Write, Feel, and Truly Understand
Staple Foods of the World
【Summary】
Staple foods around the world can be broadly divided into rice, wheat, and corn, and each region has its own main staple. In Asia, people eat rice; in Europe and the United States, bread is common; in Mexico, tortillas are a staple; in Italy, pasta is the main staple; and in Ireland, potatoes are widely eaten.
Japan and Korea use rice as their staple food and have a culture of eating it together with many kinds of side dishes.
In the past, rice was valuable in Japan, and cooking it required careful control of the fire when using an iron pot. A traditional song even describes how to cook rice well.
Today, electric rice cookers make it easy, but rice cooked in a pot—like when camping—is said to be especially delicious.
Staple Foods of the World
*The main site for this reading 「よみものいっぱい」
http://www17408ui.sakura.ne.jp/tatsum/project/Yomimono/Yomimono-ippai/index.html
◆ Listener Questions
1.What is your staple food?
2.Does your country or family have a dish that you eat every day?
3.What delicious staple-food dish have you eaten while traveling?
4.Besides rice, wheat, and corn, do you know any other staple foods?
5.Have you ever eaten that food?
6.How many meals do you eat in a day?
7.In Japanese cuisine, do you have a favorite combination of a staple food and a side dish?
【You can comment here】
◆Podpage
You can find my blog, episode notes, and extra learning materials here:
Official Website (Blog & Episode Notes):
https://podpage.com/learn-japanese-with-sally-intermediate-japanese-podcast-nihongo-intermediate
◆Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/16gZbg7jI2s589OJyXaC1I
◆YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@japaneseclubsola
◆My Udemy
I currently have three Japanese learning courses available.
If you’re interested, please feel free to check them out.
If you need more details about each course, I’m always happy to help.
１ What is Japanese?
Japanese for Beginners: Just 2 Things - Simple Grammar
２Katakana
Master Katakana: Writing & Calligraphy the Classic Way カタカナ
３ Kanji 100
Japanese 100 Basic Kanji: Write, Feel, and Truly Understand
Japan’s seasons change dramatically from north to south. Learn how the sakura front and koyo front move across the country, and discover gentle travel tips for enjoying Japan’s autumn leaves. Ideal for Japanese for Beginners and Japanese Listening Practice.
◆Listener Questions
1 In your country, is there a tradition of enjoying autumn leaves?
2 Even if there is no such custom, do people still enjoy the colors of trees turning red and yellow?
3 Are there places in your city where the natural scenery becomes especially beautiful?
4 Are there any plants in your country that symbolize the seasons, similar to cherry blossoms or autumn leaves in Japan?
5 If you could follow Japan’s cherry blossom front or autumn leaves front, which region would you like to visit?
【You can comment here】
◆Podpage
You can find my blog, episode notes, and extra learning materials here:
Official Website (Blog & Episode Notes):
https://podpage.com/learn-japanese-with-sally-intermediate-japanese-podcast-nihongo-intermediate
◆Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/16gZbg7jI2s589OJyXaC1I
◆YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@japaneseclubsola
◆My Udemy
I currently have three Japanese learning courses available.
If you’re interested, please feel free to check them out.
If you need more details about each course, I’m always happy to help.
１ What is Japanese?
Japanese for Beginners: Just 2 Things - Simple Grammar
２Katakana
Master Katakana: Writing & Calligraphy the Classic Way カタカナ
３ Kanji 100
Japanese 100 Basic Kanji: Write, Feel, and Truly Understand
I just released a new podcast episode and blog post about why Katakana feels difficult and how starting with Katakana can make Japanese much easier for beginners.
If you’re learning Japanese or love language learning, please take a look!
◆Listener Questions
1 How did you study Hiragana and Katakana? (Textbook, apps, self-study, etc.)
2 What practice method worked best for you when learning Katakana?
3 When studying Japanese characters, what do you think are the pros and cons of learning from a teacher versus learning with apps?
4 Can you write and read Hiragana and Katakana smoothly now?
5 What do you think makes Katakana feel difficult? (Pronunciation differences, low frequency in texts, etc.)
6 Would you like to study Katakana again, or do you feel you no longer need to?
【You can comment here】
◆Podpage
You can find my blog, episode notes, and extra learning materials here:
Official Website (Blog & Episode Notes):
https://podpage.com/learn-japanese-with-sally-intermediate-japanese-podcast-nihongo-intermediate
◆Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/16gZbg7jI2s589OJyXaC1I
◆YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@japaneseclubsola
◆My Udemy
I currently have three Japanese learning courses available.
If you’re interested, please feel free to check them out.
If you need more details about each course, I’m always happy to help.
１ What is Japanese?
Japanese for Beginners: Just 2 Things - Simple Grammar
２Katakana
Master Katakana: Writing & Calligraphy the Classic Way カタカナ
３ Kanji 100
Japanese 100 Basic Kanji: Write, Feel, and Truly Understand
Today, I'll read aloud a story at the N4 level from a Japanese-learning audio site.
◆Listener Questions
What are the characteristics of your country's bento?
あなたの国のお弁当にはどんな特徴がありますか？
【You can comment here】
◆Podpage
You can find my blog, episode notes, and extra learning materials here:
Official Website (Blog & Episode Notes):
https://podpage.com/learn-japanese-with-sally-intermediate-japanese-podcast-nihongo-intermediate
◆Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/16gZbg7jI2s589OJyXaC1I
◆YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@japaneseclubsola
◆My Udemy
I currently have three Japanese learning courses available.
If you’re interested, please feel free to check them out.
If you need more details about each course, I’m always happy to help.
１ What is Japanese?
Japanese for Beginners: Just 2 Things - Simple Grammar
２Katakana
Master Katakana: Writing & Calligraphy the Classic Way カタカナ
３ Kanji 100
Japanese 100 Basic Kanji: Write, Feel, and Truly Understand
The Truth About Courseware! Can Udemy Really Make You Fluent in Japanese?
◆Listener Questions
To those of you learning Japanese with AI:
What are the advantages (pros) and disadvantages (cons) of using AI for your studies?
Please share your answers in the comments section below.
◆You can comment here.
You can read the full English blog version of this episode on my Podpage
https://podpage.com/learn-japanese-with-sally-intermediate-japanese-podcast-nihongo-intermediate
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/16gZbg7jI2s589OJyXaC1I
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@japaneseclubsola
◆My Udemy
Listener-only offer!
Get your exclusive Udemy coupon
Reviews are also greatly appreciated!
⚠️The coupon expires on December 19th.
１ What is Japanese?
Japanese for Beginners: Just 2 Things - Simple Grammar
２ Master Katakana: Writing & Calligraphy the Classic Way
３ Japanese 100 Basic Kanji: Write, Feel, and Truly Understand
Meta Description
Discover why short, focused Udemy courses are ideal for Japanese for Beginners. Learn how Sally teaches Kanji, Katakana, and Easy Japanese through warm, classroom-style Japanese Language Learning videos.
◆Listener Questions
How much would you be willing to pay, in dollars, for a five-hour course at regular price?
５時間ぐらいのコンテンツを定価で買うとしたら、何ドルぐらいまでお金を出せますか？
【You can comment here】
◆Podpage
You can find my blog, episode notes, and extra learning materials here:
Official Website (Blog & Episode Notes):
https://podpage.com/learn-japanese-with-sally-intermediate-japanese-podcast-nihongo-intermediate
◆Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/16gZbg7jI2s589OJyXaC1I
◆YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@japaneseclubsola
◆My Udemy
I currently have three Japanese learning courses available.
If you’re interested, please feel free to check them out.
If you need more details about each course, I’m always happy to help.
１ What is Japanese?
Japanese for Beginners: Just 2 Things - Simple Grammar
２Katakana
Master Katakana: Writing & Calligraphy the Classic Way カタカナ
３ Kanji 100
Japanese 100 Basic Kanji: Write, Feel, and Truly Understand
【You can comment here】
◆Podpage
You can find my blog, episode notes, and extra learning materials here:
Official Website (Blog & Episode Notes):
https://podpage.com/learn-japanese-with-sally-intermediate-japanese-podcast-nihongo-intermediate
◆Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/16gZbg7jI2s589OJyXaC1I
◆YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@japaneseclubsola
◆My Udemy
I currently have three Japanese learning courses available.
If you’re interested, please feel free to check them out.
If you need more details about each course, I’m always happy to help.
１ What is Japanese?
Japanese for Beginners: Just 2 Things - Simple Grammar
２Katakana
Master Katakana: Writing & Calligraphy the Classic Way カタカナ
３ Kanji 100
Japanese 100 Basic Kanji: Write, Feel, and Truly Understand
AI can talk for you on YouTube — but is that really a good thing?
Why did I insist on speaking Japanese, even abroad?
From now on, being able to speak matters most in language learning!
AI voices sound more natural than ever, but…
YouTube is heading toward a big divide!
◆You can comment here.
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/16gZbg7jI2s589OJyXaC1I
YouTube
Is it a disadvantage to study Japanese in a rural area? Not at all!
Standard Japanese is actually an invented language.
Dialects are rich and profound — and surprisingly, much harder to speak!
◆You can comment here.
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/16gZbg7jI2s589OJyXaC1I
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@japaneseclubsola
◆My Udemy
１ Japanese for Beginners:Just 2 Things -Simple Grammar
【English Subtitles】The Essence and Beauty of Japanese Language Revealed by a Veteran with 30 Years of Experience.
⚠️Coupon Expiration Date: Until 11:00 PM on December 8
２ Master Katakana: Writing & Calligraphy the Classic Way カタカナ
⚠️Coupon Expiration Date: Until 11:00 PM on November 23
３ Japanese 100 Basic Kanji: Write, Feel, and Truly Understand
https://www.udemy.com/course/draft/6908491/?referralCode=D901DCF2C977044C0D96
Why can’t Japanese people speak English?
Many feel insecure about it — yet still struggle to speak.
Why is that?
There’s a deep, deep reason behind it.
◆You can comment here.
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/16gZbg7jI2s589OJyXaC1I
YouTube
It’s all about basic Kanji!
If you want to learn Kanji the right way, give it a try!
Kids can use it too — it’s a fun and complete course that brings together the best Kanji teaching methods!
◆You can comment here.
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/16gZbg7jI2s589OJyXaC1I
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@japaneseclubsola
◆My Udemy
１ Japanese for Beginners:Just 2 Things -Simple Grammar【English Subtitles】The Essence and Beauty of Japanese Language Revealed by a Veteran with 30 Years of Experience.
⚠️Coupon Expiration Date: Until 11:00 PM on December 8
２ Master Katakana: Writing & Calligraphy the Classic Way カタカナ
⚠️Coupon Expiration Date: Until 11:00 PM on November 23
３ Japanese 100 Basic Kanji: Write, Feel, and Truly Understand
https://www.udemy.com/course/draft/6908491/?referralCode=D901DCF2C977044C0D96
How do you study kanji?
Today, I’m talking about kanji — this episode is at about the N4 level.
In most Japanese language schools in Japan, kanji isn’t taught thoroughly from the basics. That’s why many learners struggle with it, which is really unfortunate.
I’ve taught kanji not only to adults but also to elementary students at an international school, where Japanese wasn’t their first language.
Now, I’m combining those experiences with my 30 years of teaching Japanese to create new kanji video lessons — they’ll be ready soon!
If you haven’t yet, check out my Katakana course — it’s a great foundation for learning kanji.
And don’t forget to use the free coupon! 🎓✨
◆My Udemy
１ Master Katakana: Writing & Calligraphy the Classic Way カタカナ
⚠️Coupon Expiration Date: Until 11:00 PM on November 23
◆You can comment here.
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/16gZbg7jI2s589OJyXaC1I
YouTube
Reading:Level N4：Public Bathhouse「お風呂屋さん」
・The main site for this reading 「よみものいっぱい」
http://www17408ui.sakura.ne.jp/tatsum/project/Yomimono/Yomimono-ippai/index.html
◆ Listener Questions
In Japan, people with tattoos are not allowed to enter public baths.
This is because tattoos in Japan are often associated with the yakuza (Japanese mafia).
However, many foreigners have tattoos simply as a form of fashion.
Have you ever been refused entry to a public bath because of your tattoo?
Or were you able to get in?
If you entered a bath, did anyone say anything to you?
Please share your experience if you’ve had one.
日本のお風呂屋さんは入れ墨（タトゥー）をしている人は入ることができません。日本で入れ墨をしているのはヤクザだからです。
しかし外国の人たちのタトゥーはおしゃれで入れている場合が多いですね。あなたがタトゥーをしていてお風呂屋さんに入れなかったことはありますか？入れましたか？お風呂に入っていて、何か言われましたか？そのような経験があったら教えて下さい。
【You can comment here】
◆Podpage
You can find my blog, episode notes, and extra learning materials here:
Official Website (Blog & Episode Notes):
https://podpage.com/learn-japanese-with-sally-intermediate-japanese-podcast-nihongo-intermediate
◆Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/16gZbg7jI2s589OJyXaC1I
◆YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@japaneseclubsola
◆My Udemy
I currently have three Japanese learning courses available.
If you’re interested, please feel free to check them out.
If you need more details about each course, I’m always happy to help.
１ What is Japanese?
Japanese for Beginners: Just 2 Things - Simple Grammar
２Katakana
Master Katakana: Writing & Calligraphy the Classic Way カタカナ
３ Kanji 100
Japanese 100 Basic Kanji: Write, Feel, and Truly Understand