In this episode of her podcast, Yumi shares her personal story of dental discovery and recovery, emphasizing the vital role of dental care in our lives and the resilience needed to overcome oral health hurdles. Listen to this episode and let us know if you had some experience like this!   KEY VOCABULARY: 歯(は)医(い)者(しゃ) - dentist [歯(は) (tooth); 医(い)者(しゃ) (physician; medical doctor)]別(べつ)の件(けん) - another matter; another case [別(べつ) (another; separate); 件(けん) (matter; case)]診(み)てもらう to be seen/ to be examined (by a doctor) [診(み)て (て-form of 診(み)る (to examine medically); ～てもらう means “to get/ to have ~ done” which indicates one is receiving help or service from someone)]被(かぶ)せ物(もの) - crown (dental terminology)取(と)りかえる- to replace嚙(か)み合(あ)わせ – bite [嚙(か)み (from 嚙(か)む (to bite; to clench)) + 合(あ)わせ (noun form of 合(あ)わせる(to match; to place together))]型(かた)を取(と)る – take an impression (for teeth)知(ち)覚(かく)過(か)敏(びん)- sensory sensitivity [知(ち)覚(かく) (perception of physical senses); 過(か)敏(びん) (hypersensitivity)]我(が)慢(まん) - tolerance; endurance; bearing; patienceまな板(いた) cutting board暴(あば)れようが声(こえ)を出(だ)そうが no matter how much struggle or scream [～ようが means “no matter how much ~”or “even if (one) does ~”;暴(あば)れよう(plain volitional form of 暴(あば)れる (to act violently; to struggle) + が (however; but)); 声(こえ)を出(だ)そう (plain volitional form of 声(こえ)を出(だ)す (to speak; to vocalize) + が (however; but))]命(いのち)を握(にぎ)られる one’s life is in the hands (of someone); one’s life is at the mercy of [命(いのち) (life); 握(にぎ)られる (“to be held”; passive form of 握(にぎ)る (to grip; to clasp; to hold; to seize (power)))]情(なさ)けない- miserable; pitiable; shameful;　pathetic姿(すがた) - appearance; image; figure; state [In the context of competitions or contests]麻(ま)酔(すい)の注射(ちゅうしゃ) - anesthetic injection/shot [麻(ま)酔(すい) (anesthesia); の (of); 注射(ちゅうしゃ) (injection; shot)]歯(は)ぎしり– teeth grinding [歯(は) (tooth; teeth); きしり(grinding; creaking)]食(く)いしばりclenching市(し)販(はん)の – store-bought; over the counter [市(し) (market); 販(はん) (selling)]仕(し)方(かた)ない – there is no other way; there no alternative随分(ずいぶん)- very; extremely; quite      For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-154 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-154-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

In this episode of her podcast, Yumi delves into the profound impact of classical music on personal growth, inspired by violin prodigy Yoshimura Himari's mesmerizing performances. She beautifully narrates her own musical journey and the unexpected ways a popular manga stirred a friend's ambition to master Chopin, weaving a narrative that celebrates the transformative power of art and inspiration. Listen to this episode and let us know if you had some experience like this!   KEY VOCABULARY: 聴(き)く - to listen to (music)演奏(えんそう) - music performanceハマってしまった – got hooked; ended up getting hooked [ハマって (て-form ofハマる/はまる (to get hooked)); しまった(past form of しまう(to end up with ~))]～というわけです - ～ is what happened; ～ is the reason (for it) [this expression is used to explain a background which lead to a decision or an outcome]きっかけ - opportunity; occasion [an initial opportunity or situation that leads someone or something to something else]～を習(なら)う to take lessons in中級(ちゅうきゅう) - intermediate level [中(ちゅう) (middle; intermediate); 級(きゅう) (grade; class; level)]吹奏楽(すいそうがく)部(ぶ) brass band club [吹奏(すいそう) (wind instrument); 楽(がく) (music); 部(ぶ) (school club)]地(じ)元(もと)福(ふく)井(い)県(けん) - (my) home region, Fukui prefecture [地(じ)元(もと) (local area); 福(ふく)井(い)県(けん) (Fukui prefecture)]行進曲(こうしんきょく) marching band music [行進(こうしん) (march; parade); 曲(きょく) (music)]全国大会(ぜんこくたいかい) - national competition [全(ぜん) (all; whole); 国(こく) (country); 大会(たいかい) (competition; convention)]序曲(じょきょく) - overture～作曲(さっきょく) - composed by ～ [作(さく) (make); 曲(きょく)(piece of music); 作曲(さっきょく) means “composition (of music)”]懐(なつ)かしい nostalgic [an adjective that describes a feeling one feel when reminiscing about good memories]青春(せいしゅん) - youth; one’s youthful days; time of adolescence; the springtime of one's life [literally, “blue spring”]流行(はや)る - to be popular; to come into fashion [流行(りゅうこう)する is a very similar word but is mainly used for fashion or cold & flue.](を)目指(めざ)す - to aim to become ~ [also “to aim a location as a goal to get to”          For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-153 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-153-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Have you ever heard the term "神童" (shindou)? It refers to child prodigy, and this time, Yumi will talk about it. Listen to the podcast and let us know what you think about it in the comments below!   KEY VOCABULARY: 神童(しんどう) child prodigy; genius; wonder child [神(しん) (god); 童(どう) (child)]大(おと)人(な)に負(ま)けない as good as adults; comparable to adults; unyielding to adult; unbeatable by adult [literally, “unbeatable by adults”; 大(おと)人(な) (adult); に(to; against); 負(ま)けない (unbeatable; unyielding); a fixed phrase which is used when describing young child of high skill or strength]理(り)解(かい)力(りょく) ability to understand; comprehension; ability [理解(りかい) (understanding; comprehension); 力(りょく) (power; ability)]めちゃくちゃ incredibly; really; super (when used as adverb)何(なに)気(げ)なくunintentionally; inadvertently; casually大(おと)人(な)でも難(むずか)しい difficult even for grownups; even grownups would struggleコンクール competition; contest審査員(しんさいん) judge感想(かんそう) comment特別(とくべつ)賞(しょう) special award; special prize受(う)け答(こた)え (her) answer (in the interview) [literally, “receiving answering” which means “answering to the question that were received”. 受(う)け答(こた)え doesn’t only mean “the answer” which was spoken but also means the way one carries herself or himself in the whole conversation as well]立(りっ)派(ぱ) splendid; elegant; impressive; fine教育(きょういく)が行(ゆ)き届(とど)いている well educated in every way (by her parents) [教育(きょういく) (education); 行(ゆ)き届(とど)いている (ているcontinuous form of 行(ゆ)き届(とど)く(to be complete; to be through); ている here is indicating state of “well educated”, not an ongoing action)]バイオリンバカ　violin fanatic; violin nut; violin enthusiast [バイオリン (violin); バカ (“fool/ idiot” is used as suffix which means “fanatic” or “enthusiast”)]鼻(はな)が高(たか)い very proud [literally, “one’s nose is tall”; it is used when parents are proud of his/her child or a teacher being proud of their students]出来過(できす)ぎてしまう overly capable; too intelligent; too good (in a lot of things) [ 出来過(できす)ぎて(て-form of 出来過(できす)ぎる (出来(でき)る (can) + 過(す)ぎる (beyond; surpass)); しまう(to be ~ unfortunately; to end up ~))]助(たす)けてあげないといけない must help; should help; unavoidable to help; absolutely necessary to help [literally, “it’s not good if (her parents) don’t help”; 助(たす)けてあげない (negative of 助(たす)けてあげる; あげるindicates providing the action(helping)); と (if); いけない (not good); “～ないといけない” is “must do ~”]同年代(どうねんだい) same generation [同 (same); 年代 (age; era)]話(はなし)が 合(あ)わない to have different interest [Literally, “talk don’t match” which means “not able to engage in the same subjects” which really means “can’t have close relationship” or “can’t get along”]～ならではの unique to ～ [～ならでは (unique to ~); の (“of”; connecting the words before and after it)]思(おも)いやりconsideration; compassion; understanding (of others situation or emotion)        For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-152 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-152-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Happy New Year! (Better late than never, right?). This year started not too good in Japan, with an earthquake and a plane crushing. So, this time Yumi will talk about it. Have you ever been in an earthquake? Let us know in the comments below!   KEY VOCABULARY: 石川県(いしかわけん)能登(のと)半島(はんとう)　the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture [石川県(いしかわけん) (Ishikawa Prefecture); 能登(のと) (Noto); 半島(はんとう) (peninsula)]炎上(えんじょう)事故(じこ) crash that ended in inferno [炎上(えんじょう)(going up in flames); 事故(じこ) (accident; crash)]海上(かいじょう)保(ほ)安(あん)庁(ちょう) Japan Coast Guard [海上(かいじょう) (maritime; sea service)保(ほ)安(あん)庁(ちょう)(National Security Agency)]無事(ぶじ) no damage; unharmed; safety; security奇(き)跡(せき) miracle慌(あわ)ただしい constantly busy (with many events); whirlwind; fast-paced慌(あわ)てない (です) don’t/ doesn’t panic [negative form of 慌(あわ)てる (to panic; to haste; to fluster)]収(おさ)まる to quiet down; to calm down; to settle冷静(れいせい) cool; composed; cool-headed [冷(れい) (cool; cold); 静(せい) (quiet; still)]山(やま)津(つ)波(なみ) landslide; earthflow [山(やま) (mountain; hill); 津(つ)波(なみ) (tsunami; tidal wave); also called “山(やま)崩(くず)れ (landslide)”]ガスの元栓(もとせん) main valve of gas pipe/tank [majority of Japanese household use the propane gas or the city gas for cooking and possibly heating water]訓練(くんれん) training; discipline; drill; practiceうち履(ば)き indoor shoes [うち (inside); 履(ば)き (“foot wear”; noun form of 履(は)く (to wear/to put on (shoes)); also called 上履(うわば)き or ルームシューズ)]散乱(さんらん)している is scattered around [from 散(さん)乱(らん)する (to scatter around; to scatter); (て)いる here indicates a state/condition of “glass pieces scattered around”)]裸足(はだし) barefoot来(きた)るべきして来(き)た ought have come (by now); due to come [literally, “came because it had to come”; a fixed phrase that sounds literary, archaic and formal to modify some occurrence that happened which was destined to happen in the hindsight; 来(きた)るべき (“should come”); して (as); 来(き)た (“has come”)]南海(なんかい)トラフ巨大(きょだい)地(じ)震(しん) Nankai Trough mega earthquake [南海(なんかい) (Nankai);トラフ (trough); 巨大(きょだい) (mega; colossal; jumbo); 地(じ)震(しん) (earthquake)]潜(もぐ)り込(こ)んでいる is slipping under [the continuous form of 潜(もぐ)り込(こ)む (to slip under)]ひずみ distortion; skewness; strain跳(は)ね返(かえ)る bounce back; spring back; recoil [compound verb of 跳(は)ねる (jump; bounce) and 返(かえ)る (return; revert; turn back)]１００年(ねん)間隔(かんかく)で in 100 year interval [間隔(かんかく) (interval; space (in between); distance); で (in)]耐震(たいしん)化(か) earthquake-proofing [耐震(たいしん)化(か) (earthquake-proofing; earthquake-resistant; earthquake-ready; 耐(たい) (resist; endure); 震(しん) (shake); 化(か) (“-ization”; “-ification”) is a suffix that means “to change into ~”)]固(こ)定(てい)しておくhave (furniture) to be fastened/anchored [固(こ)定(てい)して (て-form of 固(こ)定(てい)する (to fasten; to anchor; to fix); (て)おくmeans “to have ~ done in advance for preparation of something)]時(じ)限(げん)爆弾(ばくだん) ticking bomb; time bomb [時(じ)限(げん) (time- programed); 爆弾(ばくだん) (bomb)]      For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-151 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-151-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Let’s talk about sleep! This time, Yumi will talk about her sleeping time, what she was doing when she woke up during the night (and now she stopped!) and how daylight saving times could affect your life or the life of your pet. Listen this episode and let us know what you think!   KEY VOCABULARY: 寝付(ねつ)きがいい easy to fall asleep; to fall asleep quickly [寝付(ねつ)き (falling asleep) indicates “how quickly/easily one normally can fall asleep”; 寝付(ねつ)き is the noun form of 寝付(ねつ)く (to fall asleep)]周(まわ)りpeople close (to me); people around (me) [周(まわ)りis “vicinity” or “surroundings” and can be used to mean “people around someone”]びっくりされる to have people to get surprised (about me falling asleep so fast) [passive form of びっくりする (to be surprised); the speaker (Yumi) being the receiver of people’s surprise about her falling asleep so fast]夜(よ)中(なか) midnight; middle of the night動(どう)画(が) video平均(へいきん) average大丈(だいじょう)夫(ぶ) fine; okay随分(ずいぶん) considerably; fairly; veryズレ deviation; shift; discrepancy [noun form of ズレる (to shift; to deviate; to slide; to slip off; to be out of alignment)]意(い)外(がい)とunexpectedly [意(い) (thoughts); 外(がい) (outside)]逆転(ぎゃくてん) reversal [逆(ぎゃく) (reverse; opposite); 転(てん) (turning)]時差(じさ) time difference仕(し)方(かた)がない no other choice; nothing one can do [literally “there is no means (to cope)”]初頭(しょとう) beginning (of a century, etc.)節約(せつやく) saving発想(はっそう) idea; concept [noun form of 発想(はっそう)する (conceptualize; to come up with ideas)]愛犬(あいけん) beloved dog      For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-150 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-150-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

What do you eat during the day? Listen to the podcast and find out the new diet Yumi is doing!   KEY VOCABULARY: 実際(じっさい)に actually; really; truly; indeed具体的(ぐたいてき)に specifically; in detail [具体的 (specific); に (“-ly”; makes the preceding word into adverb form)]薄(うす)める to dilute; to thin炒(いた)め物(もの) stir-fry; stir-fried food [炒(いた)め (fry; broil; roast); 物(もの) (thing; item)]物足(ものた)りなさそうseeming not enough; seeming unsatisfied [物足りな is from 物足りない (not enough; not satisfied); “さ” is necessary between “～な(い)” and そう (seemingly)]以(い)前(ぜん)は before; prior to [“as for before”]冷凍食品(れいとうしょくひん) frozen food [冷凍(れいとう) (frozen; freezing);食品(しょくひん) (food; food products)]めんどくさい bothersome; tiresome; cumbersome [shortened from めんどうくさい and sounds more casual]温(あたた)めておいて warm (them) up for me [温(あたた)めて from 温(あたた)める (to reheat; to warm up); おいて is て-from of (て)おく (to have ~ in a certain condition); て-form is often used when asking to do something in very casual situations]新鮮(しんせん)な fresh野(や)菜(さい) vegetables小(こ)麦(むぎ)食品(しょくひん) wheat-based food products [小(こ)麦(むぎ) (wheat); 食品(しょくひん) (food products)]自家(じか)製(せい) homemade [自家(じか) (one’s own house); 製(せい) (“-made”; made in)]立(りっ)派(ぱ)な credible; fine; undeniable健康(けんこう)オタク health geek [健康(けんこう) (health); オタク (geek; nerd; enthusiast)]生(しょう)姜(が) ginger薄(うす)切(ぎ)りthin slice [薄 (thin); 切り(cut; noun form of 切(き)る (to cut))]炭酸水(たんさんすい) carbonated water [炭酸(たんさん) (carbonic acid); 水(すい) (water)]風邪(かぜ) cold; flu予(よ)防(ぼう) prevention      For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-149 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-149-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Yumi continues her talking about the changes she made in her life. What do you think of these changes? Listen to the podcast to know all the changes she made!   KEY VOCABULARY: 大腸(だいちょう)カメラcolonoscopy [大腸(だいちょう) (large intestine; colon)]がん cancerポリープ polyp麻(ま)酔(すい) anesthesia [麻(ま) (hemp; flax); 酔(すい) (drunk)]痛(いた)くもかゆくもない “it’s no concern at all” or “it has no effect on me whatsoever” [literally, “it’s neither painful nor itchy”]固(こ)形(けい) solid [固(こ) (harden); 形(けい) (form; shape)]一切(いっさい) absolutely (not); entirely (not)下(げ)剤(ざい) laxativeずいぶん very; considerably; awfully申(もう)し訳(わけ)ない I’m sorry [literally, “(it’s) inexcusable”; 申(もう)し訳(わけ) (excuse); ない (not)]腸内(ちょうない) inside of colon [腸(ちょう) (intestine); 内(ない) (inside)]順調(じゅんちょう)に steadily; smoothly溜(た)まる to accumulate着替(きが)えをする to get changed [着替(きが)え (changing of clothes)]腸活(ちょうかつ) intestinal activities; promoting activity of the intestines]食物(しょくもつ)繊(せん)維(い) dietary fiber [食物(しょくもつ) (food); 繊(せん)維(い) (fiber)]発酵食品(はっこうしょくひん) fermented food [発酵(はっこう) (fermentation); 食品(しょくひん) (food)]加(か)工(こう)食品(しょくひん) processed food [加(か)工(こう) (processing)]整(ととの)う (environment) is prepared for; put in order for; becomes conducive for増々(ますます) increasingly; more and more; even more      For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-148 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-148-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Have you tried stair stepper? Listen to Yumi to know why is she doing it and how it helped her to be in better shape.   KEY VOCABULARY: 階段(かいだん) stair; stairway目標(もくひょう) goal; objective; target心臓(しんぞう) heart心臓(しんぞう)が口(くち)から飛(と)び出(だ)す one’s heart pops out of the chest [it’s a saying that describes bodily feeling where one’s heart is beating so fast due to physical exertion or extreme nervousness that it almost feels as if the heart is about to pop out the mouth]～うちに while doing ~～を目指(めざ)す to aim for ~汗(あせ)のかき具(ぐ)合(あい) sweating condition; the way of sweating [汗(あせ)のかき from 汗(あせ)をかく (to sweat);具(ぐ)合(あい) (condition; the way of (sweating))]息(いき)は切(き)れる be out of breath [usually 息(いき)が切(き)れる; 息(いき) (breath); 切(き)れる (to run out)]負(ふ)担(たん) burden足(あし)腰(こし) one’s area of legs, hips lower back [足(あし) (legs); 腰(こし) (hip; lower back); it refers to the whole lower part of body that supports the upper body for one to be able to move around]歩(ある)き回(まわ)る to walk around [compound word; 歩(ある)き (ます-stem of 歩(ある)く(to walk) + 回(まわ)る (to go around))]～に対応(たいおう)できない unable to cope with ~ [対応(たいおう)する (to respond; to cope)]血糖(けっとう)値(ち) blood sugar level [血(けつ) (blood); 糖(とう) (sugar); 値(ち) (value; worth)]飢餓(きが) starvation; hunger溜(た)めてある脂(し)肪(ぼう) accumulated fat; fat that has been saved up [溜(た)める (to accumulate); (て)ある (to have something done for a reason)]～に向(む)いていない not suited for ~; not suitable for ~ [～に向(む)く(to suited for ~); (て)いない (negative of (～て)いる which indicates a condition/situation)]安静(あんせい) rest宇(う)宙(ちゅう)飛(ひ)行(こう)士(し) astronaut [宇宙 (universe; cosmos; space); 飛(ひ)行(こう)士(し) (pilot; airman)]無(む)重力(じゅうりょく) no gravity; weightlessness [無(む) (“non-“); 重力(じゅうりょく) (gravity)]食(た)べさせてもらう to be assisted to eat (food) [食(た)べさせて isて-form of 食(た)べさせる　(to feed; to assist someone eat; to make someone eat); (～て)もらう means “to have someone do ～ for oneself”)]      For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-147 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-147-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Yumi continues her talking about the changes she made in her life. What do you think of these changes? Listen to the podcast to know all the changes she made!   KEY VOCABULARY: 順調(じゅんちょう)に steadily; smoothly; without a hitch 何(なん)度(ど)も many times; frequently; plenty of times　血液検(けつえきけん)査(さ) blood test; blood exam [血液(けつえき) (blood); 検(けん)査(さ) (check; checkup; inspection; exam)]血管(けっかん) blood vessel [duct; tube]血栓(けっせん) blood clot [栓(せん) (plug; stopper; spigot)]可(か)能(のう)性(せい) possibility大腸(だいちょう)カメラ colonoscopy [大腸(だいちょう) (large intestine)]食(しょく)物(もつ)繊(せん)維(い) dietary fiber [食(しょく)物(もつ) (food); 繊(せん)維(い) (fiber)]お味噌(みそ)汁(しる) miso soup [味噌(みそ) (miso); 汁(しる) juice; soup]山(やま)盛(も)り heap [盛り(heap; pile); refers to “a large serving piled up high”]週(しゅう)に何回(なんかい)か several times a week [週(しゅう)に(in a week); 何回(なんかい)か (several times; か indicates “unspecified numbers”)]缶詰(かんづめ) canned food [缶(かん) (tin; can); 詰(つめ) (stuffing; packing)]コーヒー派(は) coffee lover [派(は) (faction; side)]食(しょく)事(じ)内容(ないよう) dietary contents [食事(しょくじ) (meal);内容(ないよう) (content; substance)]筋(きん)トレ strength training; weight training [shortened from shortened from 筋肉(きんにく)トレーニング; 筋肉(きんにく) (muscle)]有酸運動(ゆうさんうんどう) aerobic exercise [有 (having; with); 酸素 (oxygen); 運動 (exercise)]予(よ)算(さん)の都(つ)合(ごう) budgetary reasons; budget constraints [予(よ)算(さん) (budget); 都(つ)合(ごう) (reason; circumstances; convenience)]紫(し)外(がい)線(せん) ultraviolet rays [紫(し) (purple); 外(がい) (outside); 線(せん) (ray; line)]日(ひ)焼(や)け止(ど)め sunscreen [日(ひ)焼(や)け (sunburn); 止(ど)め (stopper); also called “日(ひ)焼(や)け止(ど)めクリーム”]      For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-146 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-146-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Yumi has made some changes in her life. What do you think she changed? Listen to the podcast and hear her reflections on this!   KEY VOCABULARY: あまり～ない (there is ) not so much ~; (I have) not so much ~ [あまりmeans “very” or “much” when used with ～ない]これといって nothing special; not worth mentioning [always used with ～ない; “いって” is “言(い)って”, but usually written in hiragana]神様(かみさま) [God]退屈(たいくつ) boring; dull; boredom [a state where nothing to do to spend time]つまんない boring; dull [casual for つまらない ; used when one is not having fun because something one is engaged in is not interesting enough]　とはいえ but; that said; that being said; having said that [“いえ” is “言え”, and commonly written in hiragana in this phrase]細身(ほそみ) slender; narrow [細(ほそ) (thin); 身(み) (body)]外見(がいけん)を気(き)にする worry about the looks/appearance [外見(がいけん) (looks; appearance); 気(き)にする (worry; pay attention to); a commonly used phrase]観察(かんさつ) する[to observe]自(じ)信(しん)を持(も)つ have confidence in oneself [自(じ)信(しん) (confidence)]瘦(や)せる to lose weight; to become thin戻(もど)る to return; to go back～そう seems ~; looks like ~; seems to ~ [“ます-stem + そう” is “it looks like doing ~”]目立(めだ)つ to stand out; to be noticeable言(い)い訳(わけ) excuse～かろうが no matter how ~ [“い-adjective stem + かろうが”; 若(わか) is adjective-stem of 若(わか)い (take the い ending);年(とし)寄(よ)りelderly; elder person～であろうが no matter ~ [“noun/な- adjective + であろうが”]食(た)べる量(りょう) the amount to eat; amount of food one eats      For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-145 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-145-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

The Hurricane Idalia has come to Florida, and after its passage, it left Yumi without electricity for a few hours. This made Yumi think about the importance of electricity in her life. Listen to the podcast and hear her reflections on this!   KEY VOCABULARY: 直撃(ちょくげき)する to hit directly [直(ちょく) (direct); 撃(げき) (hit; attack)]避(ひ)難(なん)する to evacuate; flee; escape出身(しゅっしん) one’s origin (country, city, town; school)平(ひら)屋(や) single story house [平(ひら) (flat); 屋(や) (house; roof)]こもる to stay inside; to hide away; to be confined in]パターン (usual) pattern; (common) practiceモーボーホーム mobile home; manufactured home [also called モバイルホーム]自(じ)体(たい) itself [自(じ)(self)]片(かた)付(づ)ける [tidy up; put away; clean up]置(お)きっぱなし left ~ alone without attended;  left ~ alone for a period of time [“ます-stem V + っぱなし” means “to have something in one condition for a long time unattended” or “to continue to be in one condition. ～っぱなし is often used in a negative sense (not always).]電(でん)池(ち) battery点(つ)くto be lit; to be turned on; to come on確認(かくにん)する to check; to confirm; to make sure汲(く)んで to get (water) and … [て-form of 汲(く)む (to ladle; to scoop) and it is used only when scooping water or some liquid into a container]備(そな)える to prepare; to make preparations; to equip with買(か)い込(こ)む to buy in large amount; to stock up on [“ます-stem V + 込(こ)む”; 込(こ)む means “to pack in” in this particular compound word]避(さ)ける to avoid案(あん)の定(じょう) as expected; sure enough [a fixed phrase. 案(あん) means “expectation” or “idea”. 定(じょう) means “fixed” or “decided”]不(ふ)衛生(えいせい) unsanitary; hygienic [不(ふ) (un-; in-; non-); 衛生(えいせい) (sanitary; hygienic)](火(ひ)を)起(お)こす to start/to make (a fire)      For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-144 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-144-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Finally, the trip to Japan ended and Yumi and her family are back in Florida. So, this time Yumi will reflect on the trip and the impressions she had during it. Listen to the podcast and learn what was the thing that left a big impression on her this time!   KEY VOCABULARY: 総(そう)まとめ total conclusion; roundup; overall summary [総(そう) (total); まとめ (conclusion; summary)]感想(かんそう) view; thought; impressionすっきりする become neat [すっきり (neat; pleasant)]ジンベエザメ whale shark心(こころ)が落(お)ち着(つ)く feels calm; calm one’s mind写真(しゃしん)に収(おさ)める capture in a picture [収(おさ)める has several meanings but here it means “to capture” or “to store away” the moment in a picture]幻想的(げんそうてき)な magical; fantasy-like; dream-like [幻想(げんそう) (fantasy; illusion; dream)]どっぷりと浸(ひた)る deeply submerged; totally experience [どっぷり(onomatopoeia that means “completely” or “totally”; it originated from describing when something or someone is submerged in water completely; 浸(ひた)る (to submerge; to get soaked)]これに尽(つ)きる this is always the best; there is nothing better than this [a set phrase; 尽きる usually means “to come to an end” or “(something) to run out”, and this phrase literally says "it always comes to this at the end”]～するわけではない it’s not that ~; it’s not because ~ ; not necessarily that ~配膳(はいぜん)ロボット serving robot [配膳(はいぜん) (waiting; tray service; setting the table)]興(きょう)味(み)深(ぶか)い fascinating; very interesting [a set phrase and it conjugates as aい-adjective; 興味 (interest)]汗(あせ)だくdrenched in sweat; dripping with sweat [a set phrase]涼(すず)し気(げ) looking cool [げis a suffix that means “looking” or “seemingly” which attaches to some い-adjective stems or some nouns to make な-adjective; 涼(すず)しい → 涼(すず)しげ(な)]短(たん)パン(ぱん) short pants; shorts; trunks [shortened from 短(みじか)いパンツ](シャープな感(かん)じで)決(き)める to coordinate a style; to style (with the look of sharpness)気(き)を使(つか)うpay attention [literally “use their attention”]女(じょ)子(し)力(し) power of femininity; woman’s level of motivation in fashion and style; girliness (as a positive quality)意(い)識(しき)する to be conscious面倒(めんどう)くさい bothersome; feel lazy (to do something) [often it’s pronounced めんどくさい]    For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-143 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-143-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

A few months ago, Yumi comment us about the souvenirs she was planning to take to Japan for family and friends. Now that she’s back, she will tell us which are the ones that people liked and which ones may have not being such a success. Listen to the podcast to find out!   KEY VOCABULARY: 経(た)つ (for time) to pass落(お)ち着(つ)く to settle down反応(はんのう) response; reactions喜(よろこ)ぶ to be pleased; to be delightedがっかりされた was disappointing (for people); disappointed (people); had (people) get disappointed [がっかり(disappointment); された (past & passive form of する (to do)); がっかりする means “to get disappointed”; Note: がっかりされる and がっかりさせるsay the something, but がっかりされる have a nuance that “what disappoints people to be receiving people’s disappointment”]微(び)妙(みょう) tricky; subtle; delicate (situation)親戚(しんせき) relativesアメリカっぽい American-like; American-ish; American-esque [～っぽい(-ish; -like) is a suffix which is added after nouns or adjectives; アメリカ風(ふう) is a similar another word]ビスケット cookie [crispy cookies that are somewhat dry]　甘(あま)さ控(ひか)えめ low in sugar; not too sweet; less sweet side [甘さ (sweetness); 控(ひか)え “ます-stem” of 控(ひか)える(to refrain); め is a suffix that indicates degree or tendency of some condition]味(あじ)わい flavor; taste食(た)べごたえ satisfying to eat [used for food that are satisfying because of a big portion size]そこら中(じゅう) everywhere there; all over the place [中(じゅう)is a suffix that means “all over”, “everywhere”, or “all through”]奥様(おくさま) wife; house wife; married lady [very polite way to say “married woman”]派手(はで) loud; flashy; gaudy生地(きじ) cloth; fabric; material色使(いろづか)い color usage; use of colorウケ popularity; (people’s response) [used when describing how something (like “Jokes”) is received by people]一択(いったく) one option; one choice [used when making a choice with no hesitation]余(あま)る to remain; to be in excess; to be left over    For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-142 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-142-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

This is the final part of the long-awaited journey to Japan! This time, Yumi will tell us about an incredible visit to USJ and more about Tokyo. Listen to the podcast and pay attention to her recommendations for your next trip to Japan!   KEY VOCABULARY: たどり着(つ)くfinally arrive at; to get to (at last); find one’s way to書斎(しょさい) library; study; sanctum超(ちょう)おすすめ highly recommended [超(ちょう) (highly; extremely; super); おすすめ(recommendation)]激(はげ)しかった was intense [激(はげ)しい (violent; intense)]開場(かいじょう) opening; opening (of the doors) [開(かい) (open); 場(ば) (place; location)]日差(ひざ)し sunlight; rays of the sun; sunshine [日(ひ)(sun); 差(さ)し (shining); also written as 日射(ひざし)し or 陽射(ひざし)し]海浜公園(かいひんこうえん) beachfront park; seaside park [海浜 (seaside; beach); 公園(こうえん) (park)]自(じ)由(ゆう)の女(め)神(がみ)の像(ぞう) statue of liberty [自(じ)由(ゆう) (liberty; freedom);女(め)神(がみ) (Goddess); 像(ぞう) (statue)]展望台(てんぼうだい) lookout tower [展望 (lookout; viewing); 台(だい) (tower)]水上(すいじょう)バス　water bus; water taxi [水上(すいじょう) (on the water)]優雅(ゆうが)な elegant; graceful～のはず is supposed to be ~; should be ~熱中症(ねっちゅうしょう)heat stroke; heat exhaustion [熱中(ねっちゅう) (fever); 症(しょう) (illness; symptom; condition (of illness)]濡(ぬ)れた wet [濡(ぬ)れる (to get wet)]冷房(れいぼう)の効(き)いている～ air-conditioned [same as 冷房(れいぼう)が効(き)いている～; 冷房(れいぼう) (cooler; air-conditioner); 効(き)いている (is in effect; is on) which is the progressive form of 効(き)く(to be effective)]避(さ)ける avoid涼(すず)しい cool (in air temperature)食(た)べ歩(ある)き eating tour; trying different food at various restaurants while visiting a town最悪(さいあく) worst (case) [最(さい) (the most); 悪(あく) (bad)]携帯(けいたい) cell phone [shortened form 携帯(けいたい) (portable); 電(でん)話(わ) (phone)]    For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-141 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-141-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

In this episode, Yumi will tell us about the troubles she encountered while in Japan. Can you imagine what was the most difficult thing during her stay there? You may never imagine what was… Listen to the podcast and find out what it was!   KEY VOCABULARY: 随分(ずいぶん) considerably; rather; fairly; quite お久(ひさ)しぶり it has been a long time [お 久(ひさ)しぶりis politer form for 久(ひさ)しぶり]無事(ぶじ) safely; with no problems [無事(ぶじ)に can be used here as well]ご無沙汰(ぶさた)しております (I) have been away; (I) haven’t contacting you; (I) have been in touch with you [ご無沙汰(ぶさた) (long silence; situation in which one is not contacting someone); しております I have been (not contacting), which is the humble form for しています; the dictionary form is ご無沙汰(ぶさた)する; a common expression to start a conversation or a letter after not contacting someone for a certain period of time. This expression gives a sense of apology for not being present in their relationship]長(なが)かったようで短(みじか)かった felt like a long time but actually was a short time [a common expression which is used when one looks back a period of time in the past]総(そう)じて overall; for the most part; as a whole [総(そう) (whole; total)]老人(ろうじん)ホーム retirement home; nursing home歯医(はい)者(しゃ) dentist [歯(は) (teeth); 医者(いしゃ) (doctor)]  ～度(たび)に every time ~; each time ~ [“dictionary form V + 度(たび)に”; 度(たび) counter for occasion, situation or occurrences]記(き)憶(おく) memoryはっきりしてきた became clear [past form of はっきりしてくる (to become clear)]更新(こうしん)する renew [to renew (a record)]危(あぶ)なっかしい seemingly dangerous; unsafe looking [an expression from the speaker’s point of view to describe someone to be not safe or not stable while engaging in some activity to the degree that the speaker feels worried about the safety of the person in action]迷(まい)子(ご)になる to get lost [迷(まい)子(ご) (lost child; lost person)]干(ほ)す hang out to dry; hang (outside) to dry乾(かわ)かす dry [to dry]天(てん)気(き)予(よ)報(ほう) weather forecast [天(てん)気(き) (weather); 予(よ)報(ほう) (forecast)]～のうちに within (a certain time frame)ドンドンゴロゴロ (onomatopoeia) bang; boom [sound of thunder]当(あ)たり前(まえ) usual; the norm; common; natural; common place [na-adjective that used to describe something to be natural as a matter of course]    For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-140 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-140-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

In the previous episode, Yumi talked about her arrival to Japan. This time, she will talk about what she and her family did after that, like going on a sightseeing bus in Tokyo or visiting an old friend. But, arriving at the countryside where her parents live after going around Tokyo made her wonder about the differences you can find between big cities and the countryside.   KEY VOCABULARY: ２階(かい)建(だ)て double-decker; two-story structure; two-story building [階(かい) (story); 建(だ)て (build)]　国(こっ)会(かい)議(ぎ)事(じ)堂(どう) National Parliament building [国会(こっかい) (parliament); 議事(ぎじ) (proceedings); 堂(どう) (hall)]皇居(こうきょ) imperial Palace [皇(こう) (imperial);居(きょ) (residence)]ギリギリ just barely (onomatopoeia)高速道(こうそくどう)路(ろ) expressway; highway [高 (high); 速 (speed)]優(ゆう)雅(が)に gracefully; elegantly [優(ゆう)雅(が) (elegant; graceful; refined)]乗(の)り心(ごこ)地(ち) riding comfortability [乗(の)り(riding); 心(ごこ)地(ち) (comfortability; level of physical comfort); 心(ごこ)地(ち) is pronounced ここち by itself]誇(ほこ)る to be proud乗(の)り換(か)え connection; transfer of public transportation [乗(の)り(riding); 換(か)え (change; switch)]素(す)早(ばや)く quickly; promptly [素(す) is prefix  for “exceedingly” in this case]距(きょ)離(り) distance接(せっ)する to touch; to come in contact (with)人口密(じんこうみつ)度(ど) population density [人口(じんこう) (population); 密(みつ)度(ど) (density)]新(しん)緑(りょく) new spring foliage color [新(しん) (new); 緑(りょく)(green)]清潔(せいけつ) clean sanitary整(せい)備(び) maintenance; servicing～ひとつ…ない no ~ is there; no ~ exists [concise version of ～がひとつもない (there is no ~, not even one; not even one ~ exists)]溢(あふ)れる to over flow一切(いっさい)～ない not ~ whatsoever; not ~ at all整(ととの)い方(かた) the way (things are) in order [整(ととの)い (ます- stem of 整(ととの)う(to be in order)); 方(かた) (the way); “ます- stem V + 方(かた)” is “the way to ~” or “the method of doing ~”]   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-139 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-139-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Finally, Yumi and her family are in Japan! It’s been a long time since the last visit, and it seems things have changed. At least, at the convenience stores! Listen to her and take note of ideas for souvenirs for your next trip!   KEY VOCABULARY: 片(かた)付(づ)け tidying up 一段落(いちだんらく)  stopping point (before the next stage) [段落 (end; end of a paragraph)] 復活(ふっかつ)させる revive; come back [復活(ふっかつ) (revival; resurrection); させる (causative of ～する)] 真(ま)下(した) right under; directly below) [真(ま) (prefix for “just~”; “right ~”)] 墜落(ついらく) crash大惨(だいさん)事(じ) catastrophic event [惨事(さんじ) (disaster)]入(にゅう)国(こく)検(けん)査(さ) Immigration clearance; Passport control; Immigration examination [入国(にゅうこく) (entry into country); 検(けん)査(さ) (examination)] 当(あ)てる hold ~ against [to put ~ on; to put ~against]国籍(こくせき) nationality; citizenship実感(じっかん) actual feeling; solid feeling [実感(じっかん) (real feeling); feeling and knowing of something by a first-hand experience]流暢(りゅうちょう) fluent (in language skill)丁寧(ていねい)に thoroughly [丁寧(ていねい) can mean “polite” or “courteous”, but here it means “thorough” in explanation]お湯(ゆ)を張(は)る fill up with hot water [張(は)る (to stretch); it describes the way the surface of water looks stretched out to all the way around inside of the tub. It’s sort of an elegant Japanese expression compared to お湯(ゆ)を入(い)れる (to pour the water in), which can be used here.]湯(ゆ)船(ぶね) bath tub [船(ぶね) (tank; tub; vessel); basically same as “お風呂(ふろ)”, but has the ambiance of old world]つかる is submerged; is soaked揃(そろ)っている have everything; fully stocked [揃(そろ)う(to be complete; to be all present); (て) いる describes “a certain condition”]～し、～し、 (揃(そろ)ってますし、~ありましたし、) ~ and ~ and, therefore … [used when listing up reason(s) to support the following conclusion]快適(かいてき) pleasant; comfort; amenity   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-138 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-138-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

In the previous episode, Yumi told us she’s going back to Japan with her family. But she was having some issues deciding what to pick as souvenir for her family and friends. This time, she will talk about what she bought and where. Listen to her and take note of ideas for souvenirs for your next trip!   KEY VOCABULARY: 何人(なんにん)か分(ぶん) portion for some people [何人(なんにん)か　“some people” (かindicates it to be “not a specific number”); 分(ぶん) (portion)]先(さき)ほど earlier; a short while ago; a moment ago伴侶(はんりょ) spouse更(さら)に furthermore; moreover地(じ)元(もと) home area; home town; local area大学(だいがく)時(じ)代(だい) college years [大学(だいがく) (college; university); 時(じ)代(だい) (era)]軽(かる)くなっちゃうんです easily turns into (20 to 30 people) [軽(かる)く(easily); なっちゃうcontracted fromなってしまう (ends up turning into); んです contracted from のです (“it is the case that ~”; の explanatory particle emphasizing what is being said)]さらに furthermore交友関係(こうゆうかんけい)が広(ひろ)い has a large circle of friends; has many friends [交友(こうゆう)関係(かんけい) (circle of friends one has; friendships with people one has); 広(ひろ)い (extensive; broad)]全(ぜん)部(ぶ)合(あ)わせる put (everybody) all together [全(ぜん)部(ぶ) (all parts); 合(あ)わせる (to combine; to put together); causative form of 合(あ)う (to fit; to match) ]お菓子(かし)類(るい) snacks and sweets [お菓子(かし) (snacks; sweets); 類(るい) (kind; type)]作(つく)り quality of how something was manufactured [noun form of 作(つく)る (to make)]消毒(しょうどく) disinfection [消 (extinguishing); 毒 (poison)]何々(なになに)さん so-and-so; Mr. so-and-so匂(にお)い sent; smell旗(はた) flagお守(まも)り charm気(き)持(も)ちを込(こ)める to put one’s heart into something [気(き)持(も)ち (feeling; heart); 込(こ)める (to include)]1ドルちょっとぐらい about a little over $1 [1ドルちょっと ($1 and a little); ぐらい (approximate; about)]ご報告(ほうこく) しようwill report [報告(ほうこく) (report)]   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-137 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-137-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Yumi is going back to Japan with her family! This is a long-awaited trip. Soon they will be reunited with family and friends, but… There is something troubling Yumi’s mind. Listen to the podcast to know more about it!    KEY VOCABULARY: 帰(き)省(せい) homecoming visit; going to one’s parents’ homeうんうんうなるto moan (in pain or in discomfort) [うんうん (onomatopoeia that mimicking the sound of moaning); うなる (to growl; to moan; to grunt)]夢(ゆめ)のまた夢(ゆめ) a dream within a dream; beyond (one’s) wildest dream [literally, “a dream beyond another dream” which basically means “something impossible to happen” or “something impossible for one to experience”]　水際対策(みぎわたいさく) border control measures [水際(みぎわ) (beach; shore; coastline; national border); 対策(たいさく) (countermeasures)]連絡(れんらく)が取(と)れる to be able to get in touch; to be able to make contact [連絡(れんらく) (contact; communication); 取(と)れる to be able to get/to take (potential form of 取(と)る)]悩(なや)んでいる to be having a hard time [悩(なや)む (to have a hard time with something mentally)]20 年(ねん)ぶりに for the first time in 20 years [ぶりis a suffix that indicates a period of time that has passed before for one to experience the same situation. It is only used for positive circumstances]フロリダらしい Florida-like; Florida style頭(あたま)に浮(う)かばない does not come to mind [literally, “doesn’t float to head]; used when one can’t think of ideas and such]不(ふ)健康(けんこう) unhealthy; poor healthどぎつい intense; gaudy; garish; loud in color [ど (casual prefix for “very”, “super” or “extremely”); ぎつい from きつい (intense; forceful; demanding)]面倒(めんどう)くさい bothersome; hassleあげなきゃいいんじゃないの ？ isn’t it better not to give? [more casual form for あげなければいいのではないのですか？; あげなきゃcontracted fromあげなければ (if you don’t give); いいんじゃ contracted from いいのでは (it’s good; it’s better); ないの contracted from ないのですか (is (it) not?)]分(わ)け与(あた)えてあげる share; divide out [分(わ)け与(あた)えて (to share); あげる (to do a favor of doing ~)]  帰(かえ)り際(ぎわ)に right before going home; just as one is leaving [帰(かえ)り (”ます- stem” of 帰る); 際(ぎわ) (when; occasion); ”ます- stem V + 際(ぎわ)” is “on one is about to doing something”]何々(なになに)さん so-and-so; Mr. so-and-so配(くば)る deliver; distribute; pass around; hand out御(お)札(ふだ) やお守(まも)り amulets and charms [御(お)札(ふだ) (amulet); お守(まも)り(charm)]気(き)軽(がる)に easily; without hesitationいろんなとこ many places [いろんな (various); とこ contracted from ところ (place; location) which is only used in casual setting]   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-136 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-136-m --

In the previous podcast, Yumi started to talk about her family trip to St. Augustine. Don’t miss the end of this story, where she explains the main reason of their trip and why she couldn’t sleep well that night.   KEY VOCABULARY: 予(よ)約(やく) reservation; booking無(む)効(こう) invalid; void慌(あわ)てて in a hurry; in haste [fixed phrase]近(ちか)場(ば) nearby place重(かさ)ね合(あ)わせてtaking (the both countries’ histories) together and … [重(かさ)ね合(あ)わせる (to layer multiple things; to overlap)]説得(せっとく) persuasion温(おん)故知(こち)新(しん) visiting old, learn new [温(おん) (to warm; to rewarm); 故(こ) (old); 知(ち) (to know); 新(しん) (new); this saying means “an attempt to understand new things by studying the past”]覗(のぞ)いたり doing peeking into (stores) and [覗(のぞ)い from 覗(のぞ)く(to peek into ; to take a quick look at); ~たり、～する (doing such thing like ~ing and ~ing)]お洒落(しゃれ)なstylish; fashionable; chic;　lovely結構(けっこう) fairly; quite a bit大賑(だいにぎ)わい big crowd雰(ふん)囲気(いき) atmosphere; mood of a space or situation子(こ)供(ども)連(づ)れtaking children along漂(ただよ)ってました (to be in the air) [漂う (to be in the air; to drift)]　清潔感(せいけつかん) sense of cleanliness [清潔 (clean; sanitary)](ぱぱぱと)しか見なかった looked only (quickly) […しか～ない (to do ~ only …)]飼(か)っていた had (peacocks) [飼う to have/own (animals or pets)]野良(のら)クジャク stray peacock [野良(のら) (stray); クジャク (peacock)]時(とき)すでに遅(おそ)しthe ship has already sailed [literally, “Time is already late”]順調(じゅんちょう)に smoothlyFor upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-135 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-135-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com