Fluent Fiction - Japanese

Author: FluentFiction.org

Are you ready to supercharge your Japanese listening comprehension? Our podcast is the perfect tool for you.Studies show that the key to mastering a second language is through repetition and active processing. That's why each episode of our podcast features a story in Japanese, followed by a sentence-by-sentence retelling that alternates between Japanese and English.This approach not only allows you to fully understand and absorb the vocabulary and grammar but also provides a bilingual support to aid your listening comprehension.But we don't stop there. Research in sociolinguistics highlights the importance of culture in language learning, which is why we provide a list of vocabulary words and a transcript of the audio to help you understand the cultural context of the story. And for your convenience, we also include a transcript of the audio to help you refer back to any parts you may have struggled with.And our podcast is not just for language learners, it's also for travelers or people who want to connect with their roots. Are you planning a trip to Japan? Maybe you want to speak Japanese with your friends from Tokyo? Our podcast will give you the cultural and linguistic background to fully immerse in Japanese.Our podcast is based on the latest research in linguistics, sociolinguistics, psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, and education to provide the most effective method for mastering Japanese listening comprehension. Don't miss this opportunity, give our podcast a try and see the results for yourself.
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Love and Gifts: A Heartwarming Tokyo Christmas Tale
Thursday, 4 December, 2025

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Love and Gifts: A Heartwarming Tokyo Christmas Tale Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-12-04-08-38-19-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 東京の大きなデパートは、クリスマスの光でキラキラしていました。En: The large department store in Tokyo was sparkling with Christmas lights.Ja: 人々は笑顔でショッピングを楽しんでいます。En: People were enjoying shopping with smiles on their faces.Ja: しかし、アキオとエミコの二人には少し緊張感がありました。En: However, there was a bit of tension between Akio and Emiko.Ja: 「ああ、人が多いね！」エミコは嬉しそうに、しかし少し困ったように言いました。En: "Wow, there are so many people!" Emiko said happily, but with a hint of concern.Ja: 「弟へのプレゼント、見つかるかな。」En: "I wonder if we can find a gift for my little brother."Ja: 「大丈夫だよ、エミコ。僕が手伝う。」En: "Don't worry, Emiko. I'll help you."Ja: アキオはにっこり笑い、エミコの顔を見て言いました。En: Akio said with a smile, looking at Emiko's face.Ja: アキオは、エミコが弟に完璧なプレゼントを見つける手伝いをしたいと思っていました。En: Akio wanted to help Emiko find the perfect gift for her brother.Ja: そして、自分の気持ちをエミコに伝えるためのプレゼントも探していました。En: He was also looking for a gift to express his feelings to Emiko.Ja: でも、それはまだ秘密です。En: But that was still a secret.Ja: デパートの中は、本当にたくさんの人がいました。En: The inside of the department store was indeed crowded with people.Ja: たくさんのものが売れて消えていきます。En: Many items were being sold out quickly.Ja: アキオとエミコは、おもちゃ売り場に向かいました。En: Akio and Emiko headed to the toy section.Ja: そこには、エミコの弟が大好きなキャラクターのおもちゃがありました。En: There, they found toys of a character her brother loves.Ja: 「これ、弟にどうかな？」エミコは目を輝かせて言いました。En: "How about this for my little brother?" Emiko said with sparkling eyes.Ja: しかし、それは最後の一つでした。En: However, it was the last one.Ja: アキオは深く考えました。En: Akio thought deeply.Ja: このおもちゃをエミコに渡したら、弟は喜ぶ。En: If he gave Emiko this toy, her brother would be happy.Ja: でも、自分の気持ちを伝えるためのネックレスを選ぶのは諦めることになるかもしれない。En: But he might have to give up choosing a necklace to convey his feelings.Ja: ふと、アキオはおもちゃの隣のケースの中に輝く小さなネックレスを見つけました。En: Suddenly, Akio spotted a small, shining necklace in the case next to the toys.Ja: それはシンプルで、でもとても素敵でした。En: It was simple, but very beautiful.Ja: 「エミコ、ちょっと待ってて。」En: "Emiko, wait here for a moment."Ja: アキオは急いで会計に向かいました。En: Akio rushed to the checkout.Ja: そして、心の中で決めました。両方買おう。En: And made a decision in his heart to buy both.Ja: アキオはおもちゃとネックレスを手に持ち、エミコの元に戻りました。En: Akio returned to Emiko with the toy and the necklace in hand.Ja: 「これ、あなたの弟にぴったりだよ。」おもちゃをエミコに渡しました。En: "This is perfect for your brother," he said, handing the toy to Emiko.Ja: 「ありがとう、アキオ！すごく嬉しい！」エミコは大喜び。En: "Thank you, Akio! I'm so happy!" Emiko said, delighted.Ja: クリスマスイブの夜、アキオはエミコに別れ際、包みを渡しました。En: On Christmas Eve night, Akio handed Emiko a package as they parted.Ja: 「これは君に。」En: "This is for you."Ja: 「え？何？」エミコはびっくりしたけど、包みを開けました。En: "Huh? What is it?" Emiko was surprised but opened the package.Ja: そこには、キレイなネックレスが入っていました。En: Inside was a beautiful necklace.Ja: 「エミコ、実は…」アキオは緊張していましたが、勇気を出して続けました。En: "Emiko, actually..." Akio was nervous, but he mustered courage and continued.Ja: 「僕は君が大好きなんだ。」En: "I really like you."Ja: エミコは一瞬驚いた表情を見せましたが、すぐに微笑みながらアキオを見つめました。En: Emiko showed a moment of surprise, then looked at Akio with a smile.Ja: 「そのネックレス、とても素敵。En: "The necklace is so lovely.Ja: ありがとう、アキオ。私も、アキオが大好きだよ。」En: Thank you, Akio. I really like you too."Ja: アキオはその瞬間、とても幸せを感じました。En: In that moment, Akio felt very happy.Ja: 彼は、人の幸せを優先しつつ、自分の気持ちを伝えることができました。En: He prioritized someone else's happiness while being able to convey his own feelings.Ja: 彼らは一緒に笑い、クリスマスの夜を心温まる思い出にしました。En: They laughed together and made the Christmas night a heartwarming memory. Vocabulary Words:crowded: たくさんの人sparkling: キラキラtension: 緊張感wonder: 不思議に思うhint: 少しconvey: 伝えるmight: かもしれないdelighted: 大喜びdecision: 決定express: 表現するpackage: 包みcontent: 内容secret: 秘密suddenly: ふとbeautiful: 素敵moment: 瞬間nervous: 緊張してcourage: 勇気happy: 幸せbrother: 弟necklace: ネックレスcharacter: キャラクターcheckout: 会計prioritize: 優先するlaugh: 笑うheartwarming: 心温まるmemory: 思い出prioritized: 優先しましたshining: 輝くtoy: おもちゃ