The Very Simple Japanese Podcast: Short Stories to Help You Learn Japanese
Episodes
The Origin of the Zodiac - 十二支のはじまり
22 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s episode tells the story of the Twelve Zodiac Animals — a famous tale that explains how the zodiac began. (Key words)じゅんばん：ord...
The Straw Millionaire - わらしべちょうじゃ
25 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the famous Japanese folktale “The Straw Millionaire (Warashibe Chōja)”. “Warashibe” means a straw stem and “ch...
The Straw Hat Jizō - かさじぞう
10 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This episode tells the classic Japanese folktale Kasajizō. Set in a cold winter, this fantasy story teaches the value of kindness and caring for oth...
The Fox’s Messenger - きつねのつかい
14 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s story is about きつね (fox), lantern oil, and a little temptation… 👀 The keywords are あぶらabura (oil) , いちごう ichigou (...
The Story of Ikkyu - Do Not Cross This Bridge
22 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I read a classic Japanese folktale about Ikkyu, a clever young monk known for his wit (とんち tonchi).The story plays with the Jap...
The Story of Ikkyu - The Poison Candy Syrup いっきゅうさん - みずあめのどく
09 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s story is about Ikkyu, a smart and funny young monk who always finds creative ways to solve problems. Here’re some words in the story..kozo...
Zashiki-warashi - ざしきわらし
25 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Zashiki-warashi, a childlike spirit from Japanese folklore.It brings good luck to the home, but if it leaves, bad luck may follow. A gentle and ...
Princess Kaguya - かぐやひめ
11 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s story is a Japanese folktale ”Princess Kaguya” - it’s a fantasy story. I hope you enjoy listening.You can download the scripts (PDF) o...
The Old Man with a Lump - こぶとりじいさん
27 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s story is a Japanese folktale “The Old Man with a Lump.” It’s about two old men. What kind of old men do you think they were? Let’s f...
しあわせ - Happiness
13 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this story, “Happiness” (しあわせ) by Shimazaki Tōson, we reflect on the meaning of happiness. The story asks: What is happiness to you...
Two Frogs - 二匹のかえる
23 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This story is based on the work “Two Frogs” by Niimi Nankichi from Aozora Bunko.You can get the script on Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/Onigir...