🌸 About this video Welcome to my Japanese listening series for upper beginners! In this episode, you’ll learn about Tsuda Umeko (津田梅子), the woman who founded Japan’s first university for women and quietly changed the future of women’s education in Japan. The story is told in simple Japanese (Upper Beginner / JLPT N4 level) with clear and slow narration. You can practice listening while learning about education, effort, and quiet courage. | This video is perfect for: ・Upper beginner learners (ar...
Jan 03, 2026•20 min
🌸 About this video Welcome to my Japanese listening series for beginners! This episode is an original JLPT N5-level story about a fictional character, Alex, an international student living in Japan. Alex is studying Japanese at a language school, and in this video, he introduces his family living in his home country. The story is told in clear, slow-paced Japanese, making it ideal for early-stage learners. ✨ Language focus in this video ・No verb conjugation practice ・No te-form ・Almost entirely...
Dec 26, 2025•15 min
🌸 About this video Welcome to the New Edition of my Japanese listening series! This video is a refreshed and expanded version of my earlier video Episode #2 “毎朝（まいあさ）していること | Morning Routine” (JLPT N4 Level). In this New Edition, I talk about my daily morning routine using clear and natural Japanese at the JLPT N4 level. | This video is perfect for: ・JLPT N4 learners ・Learners who want to improve listening comprehension with natural but simple Japanese ・Students who enjoy daily-life topics and ...
Dec 21, 2025•17 min
🌸 About this video Welcome to my Japanese listening series for beginners! This episode is an original N5-level story about Hanako and her new apartment room. This video is the third installment of the Hanako Series: １） Hanako’s Daily Life（#5） ２） Hanako's holiday（#13） ３） Hanako’s summer vacation（#19・#22） ４） Hanako’s New Room（#59） ５） Hanako’s Room – Inside the Apartment（this video） If you enjoy simple Japanese stories with clear narration, this video is perfect for you. Through this story, you wi...
Dec 11, 2025•16 min
🌸 About this video Welcome to my Japanese listening series for upper beginners! In this episode, you’ll learn about Chiune Sugihara (杉原千畝) – the Japanese diplomat often called “Japan’s Schindler” – who helped thousands of Jewish refugees escape during World War II by issuing life-saving transit visas. The story is told in simple Japanese (Upper Beginner / JLPT N4 level) with clear narration, so you can practice listening while learning about an important part of history. This video is perfect f...
Dec 09, 2025•33 min
Welcome to the New Edition of my Japanese listening series for beginners! This video is a refreshed and expanded version of my earlier Episode #37 “わたしの まち《My Town》” (N5 Level). In this New Edition, I introduce my town in Fukuoka using simple Japanese (JLPT N5 level). | This video is perfect for: ・Japanese beginners (JLPT N5–N4) ・Learners who enjoy simple stories with clear narration ・Anyone who wants to improve listening comprehension naturally | Through this story, you’ll learn everyday Japane...
Nov 24, 2025•13 min
🌸 About this teaser This is the official teaser video for Episode 4 of the Kojiki Japanese Story Series. In this episode, Izanagi travels to the Land of the Dead (黄泉の国 / Yomi) to see his beloved wife Izanami once more. But what he finds there is terrifying — darkness, demons, and a world he can never return from. ｜ If you enjoy Japanese stories, mythology, and simple Japanese listening, you’ll love the full episode. ｜ ▶️ Watch the Full Episode (Ep.4) Full video & 18-page study PDF are avail...
Nov 21, 2025•37 sec
✨ Kojiki Story #3 – The Islands and Gods Born from Izanagi and Izanami ✨ This is a short clip from the full Episode 3. Discover how heaven and earth began, and meet Izanagi and Izanami — the divine couple who created Japan. ｜ 🎥 Watch the full story on YouTube → youtube.com/@Meg_Smile_Japanese_Teacher ｜ ☕ Support My Channel If you enjoy my content, please consider supporting me on Ko-fi. Your contribution helps me create more high-quality Japanese learning materials 💖 👉 https://ko-fi.com/meg...
Nov 12, 2025•1 min
✨ Kojiki Story #2 – The Birth of the Gods ✨ This is a short clip from the full Episode 2. Discover how heaven and earth began, and meet Izanagi and Izanami — the divine couple who created Japan. ｜ 🎥 Watch the full story on YouTube → youtube.com/@Meg_Smile_Japanese_Teacher ｜ ☕ Support My Channel If you enjoy my content, please consider supporting me on Ko-fi. Your contribution helps me create more high-quality Japanese learning materials 💖 👉 https://ko-fi.com/megsmile 🌏 Learn Japanese with Me...
Nov 07, 2025•1 min
🌸 About this video Welcome to the first episode of my new series — Learn Japanese through the Kojiki!In this series, I retell stories from the Kojiki (古事記) — Japan’s oldest record of myths and history — in simple Japanese (around CEFR A2–B1 / JLPT N4–N3 level). You’ll enjoy Japan’s ancient mythology while naturally improving your Japanese listening and comprehension skills. In this first video, we’ll explore: 💫 What is the Kojiki? 📖 Why was it written? 🌏 What kind of stories does it contain?...
Nov 07, 2025•5 min
This video contains a retelling of a classic Japanese tale in simple language. Today’s video features “The Mermaid and the Red Candle.” 💡 This story was inspired by “Akai Rōsoku to Ningyo” (The Red Candles and the Mermaid) by Mimei Ogawa (1882–1961) — a well-known modern Japanese short story. I rewrote it in easy Japanese (JLPT N4 level) so learners can enjoy and understand the story more smoothly. This episode is suitable for JLPT-N4 learners. Please use this audio for listening and shadowing ...
Oct 13, 2025•8 min
This video contains a heartwarming story inspired by Japanese literature. Today’s video features “Sachiko and the Gift of Happiness.” 💡 This story was inspired by “Happiness” by Shimazaki Toson (1872–1943) — a classic short story from early modern Japan. I rewrote it in simple Japanese so that learners at the JLPT N5 level can enjoy it easily. This episode is suitable for JLPT-N5 level learners . Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practice . Additionally, there is a quiz based on...
Oct 11, 2025•6 min
📢 Explore Japan with a Digital Nomad Visa! 🌏 Starting July, I’ve taken on a new and exciting role: helping foreigners navigate the process of obtaining visas in Japan. 🗾 In this video, I introduce the Digital Nomad Visa —a game-changer for remote workers who want to live and work in Japan. 💼 What’s inside the video? ・What is the Digital Nomad Visa? ・Who can apply for it? ・Required documents and important rules ・How my office, Trust Administrative Scrivener Office , can help you 🎯 Exclusive ...
Dec 03, 2024•7 min
Recently, I donated my hair! Growing it out was quite a challenge, but I persevered. In this video, I'll share my hair donation journey, discuss the history of hair donations, and explain how you can donate your hair too ( in Japan). This episode is suitable for JLPT-N4 level learners. Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices. ☆Words I’m publishing this information on my website. The content is available on the script page of this video. ☆Script for this episode https://meg-sm...
Aug 06, 2024•7 min
This video contains a scary story. If you don't like scary stories, please do not watch it. Today's video features a Japanese horror tale called 'The River Princess.' This story exists in various regions of Japan. I created this video by referencing these different regional versions. One day, a man saw a silver carp in the river. When he followed the carp... This episode is suitable for JLPT-N5 level learners. Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices. Additionally, I've prepar...
Aug 05, 2024•8 min
Are you familiar with "Momotaro"? It's a famous Japanese folktale about a hero named Momotaro who defeats scary demons. Today, I'm sharing a version of Momotaro where he is the villain, written by Ryunosuke Akutagawa, a renowned Japanese author. The original Japanese text is quite difficult, so I simplified it to the JLPT N3 level. If you'd like to read the original story, you can find it at the link below. Give it a try! https://www.aozora.gr.jp/cards/000879/files/100_15253.html This episode is...
Jul 06, 2024•11 min
This is an original story I've crafted. An elderly man cherished his beautiful rainbow umbrella. One rainy day, he found a little girl crying and... This episode is suitable for JLPT-N4 level learners. Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices. Additionally, I've prepared a quiz based on this episode. Be sure to take it after listening! ☆Words I’m publishing this information on my website. The content is available on the script page of this video. ☆Script for this episode https...
Jun 19, 2024•8 min
This is an original story I've crafted. One day, a cat wandered into the post office. Following this unexpected visit, an old letter was discovered... This episode is suitable for JLPT-N5 level learners. Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices. Additionally, I've prepared a quiz based on this episode. Be sure to take it after listening! ☆Words I’m publishing this information on my website. The content is available on the script page of this video. ☆Script for this episode htt...
May 29, 2024•7 min
2024年春の私の毎朝の習慣を紹介します。 《I'd like to share my morning routine in the spring of 2024.》 This episode is at the JLPT-N3 level. Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices. ☆”ふりがな”について This video's subtitles have very few furigana. Only the difficult kanji have furigana displayed. If you want to see furigana, please refer to the script available online. ☆Words I’m publishing this information on my website. The content is available on the script page of this video. ☆おすすめAPP：Cotomo https...
May 19, 2024•6 min
This story is based on a folktale passed down in Shimane Prefecture. This episode is at the JLPT-N4 level. Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices. ☆Words & Quiz I’m publishing this information on my website. The content is available on the script page of this video. ☆Script for this episode https://meg-smile.com/60-one-day-late-flower-seller-n4/ ☆Would you like to take my class? I’d love to help you start your Japanese learning journey! Book a trial lesson directly throu...
May 13, 2024•7 min
This is an original story I created.This video is the second installment of the following video. ▷Hanako’s daily life （ https://youtu.be/vcZX1piFcnQ?si=WL6yjJiYbMuS2gji ) This episode is at the JLPT-N5 level. Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices. ☆Words I’m publishing this information on my website. The content is available on the script page of this video. ☆Script for this episode https://meg-smile.com/59-hanakos-new-room-n5/ ☆Would you like to take my class? I’d love to ...
Apr 21, 2024•8 min
In this video, I will introduce the long-running Japanese TV anime 'Chibi Maruko-chan', which has been airing for over 30 years. This episode is at the JLPT-N3 level. Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices. ☆Words I’m publishing this information on my website. The content is available on the script page of this video. ☆Script for this episode https://meg-smile.com/58-chibi-maruko-chan-n3/ ☆Would you like to take my class? I’d love to help you start your Japanese learning jou...
Mar 17, 2024•7 min
In this video, I'll delve into the story of a significant figure in Japanese history, 'John Manjiro.' Stay tuned to discover his fascinating tale! This episode is at the JLPT-N4 level. Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices. ☆Words I’m publishing this information on my website. The content is available on the script page of this video. ☆Script for this episode https://meg-smile.com/57-history-john-manjiro-n4/ ☆Would you like to take my class? I’d love to help you start your ...
Mar 12, 2024•7 min
Today’s episode is titled “十六桜 (Jiu-roku-zakura)《Sakura Blooming on January 16th》. This story is based on a folk tale from Ehime Prefecture. This episode is at the JLPT-N5 level. I've also prepared a quiz based on this episode. After listening, please take the quiz! Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices. ☆Words I’m publishing this information on my website. The content is available on the script page of this video. ☆Script for this episode https://meg-smile.com/56-sakura-bl...
Feb 27, 2024•4 min
Today’s episode is titled “庭の秘密～探偵物語1～ (niwa no himitsu ~tantei monogatari 1~)《The Secret of the Garden～Detective Story 1～》. This is a detective story I created. The story progresses through the narration of the detective. Please enjoy. This episode is at the JLPT-N3 level. I've also prepared a quiz based on this episode. After listening, please take the quiz! Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices. ☆Words I’m publishing this information on my website. The content is availab...
Feb 15, 2024•14 min
Today’s episode is “おもちゃの兵隊 (omocha no heetai)《The Toy Soldier》. This work was inspired by Andersen's fairy tale 'The Steadfast Tin Soldier.' It's a somewhat sad tale, but I believe it prompts contemplation about love. As Valentine's Day approaches, I've created this video. This episode is at the JLPT-N4 level. I've also prepared a quiz based on this episode. After listening, please take the quiz! Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices. ☆Words ／ Conjugation of verbs Starting...
Feb 06, 2024•5 min
Today’s episode is “魔女のパン(majo no pan)《Witches' Loaves》. This story is a simple Japanese translation of O'Henry's "Witches' Loaves.'' This episode is JLPT-N5 level. I created a quiz on this episode. After listening, please take the quiz! Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices. ☆Words 魔女（まじょ）：witch パン屋（や）：bakery お金持（かねも）ち：rich 帽子（ぼうし）を かぶる：wear a hat 硬（かた）い：hard 茶色（ちゃいろ）：brown 絵（え）の具（ぐ）：paints, colors 画家（がか）：painter, artist 絵（え）を描（か）く：paint a picture 棚（たな）：shelf イタリア：Italy ベネ...
Jan 31, 2024•12 min
Today’s episode is titled 'Setsubun Ogre Story' (節分の鬼〔setsubun no oni〕). This is a tale inspired by a Setsubun folktale from Iwate Prefecture in Japan. This episode is JLPT-N3 level. I created a quiz on this episode. After listening, please take the quiz! Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices. ☆Words☆ 節分（せつぶん）： Setsubun is the event held to pray for our happy and healthy life.It is held on Feb 3th or 4th.On that day, we throw away beans with saying "Devils out! Happiness in...
Jan 22, 2024•6 min
Today’s episode is “月夜のおばけとかなしいひみつ (tsukiyo no obake to kanashī himitsu)《The Moonlit Ghost and the Sorrowful Secret》. This episode is JLPT-N4 level. I created a quiz on this episode. After listening, please take the quiz! Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices. ☆Words 月夜：moonlit night おばけ：ghost かなしい：sad,sorrowful ひみつ：secret 森（もり）：forest 地面（じめん）：ground 足跡（あしあと）：footprints ～を追（お）う：to chase ～間（あいだ）に：while 急（いそ）ぐ：hurry 迷（まよ）う：get lost,to lose one's way 怖（こわ）い：scary 玄関（げんかん）：entr...
Jan 15, 2024•6 min
Today’s episode is “未来のペット (mirai no petto)《Future Pet》. This episode is JLPT-N5 level. I created a quiz on this episode. After listening, please take the quiz! Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices. ☆Words 未来（みらい）：future ペット：pet 居酒屋（いざかや）：izakaya (Japanese pub) 動物（どうぶつ）：animal ～なぁ：《suffix expressing casualness or familiarity》 ペットショップ：pet shop 店員（てんいん）：clerk いらっしゃいませ：welcome 僕（ぼく）：I, used by males 箱（はこ）：box ロボット：robot 本当（ほんとう）：real 同（おな）じ：same ちがう：different 簡単（かんたん）：easy 飼（...
Jan 08, 2024•7 min
