Welcome to Learn Japanese with Sally [intermediate] Japanese Podcast : Nihongo intermediate!

Blog Posts

April 18, 2026

Do You Really Need to Memorize Japanese? What AI Can — and Can't — Do for You 日本語の暗記は必要?AIにできること・できないこと

◆Meta Description Is memorizing Japanese grammar still necessary now that AI translation is everywhere? Japanese teacher Sally explores how AI is changing language learning — and why building real conversational ability still matters. If you're s…

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April 16, 2026

Can You Speak Japanese Without Passing a Test? What Textbooks Don't Tell You 日本語タイトル|テストなしで日本語は話せる?教科書が教えてくれないこと

Are you learning Japanese but feel stuck between textbook drills and real conversation? Japanese teacher Sally shares an honest look at why test scores and natural communication are different skills — and why what you need most in daily life often c…

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April 14, 2026

You Don't Need Perfect English to Connect: A Language Teacher's Honest Confession 英語が苦手でも伝わる — 私の正直な告白

Meta description Japanese language teacher Sally opens up about failing English tests, fearing travel, and the moment in Thailand that changed everything. If you've ever felt held back by grammar mistakes or low test scores, this story is for you. …

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April 9, 2026

Do You Still Need to Learn Japanese in the Age of AI? A Language Teacher's Honest Take AI時代でも日本語学習は必要?

Meta Description: With AI translation and conversation tools more powerful than ever, many people are asking: is language learning still worth it? Japanese teacher Sally explores this question with warmth and clarity. Drawing on insights from a lang…

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April 7, 2026

📚️Reading:Level N4:When You Go to Japan, Try Speaking Japanese! 日本へ行ったら、日本語で話してみよう

◆I am reading a Japanese text. Please practice while looking at the reading material website.From February 2026, I have been using Sally’s original reading scripts. *Beginner Japanese Podcast◆日本語の朗読 ろうどく|Reading aloud日本語の文章を私が読んでいます。朗読素材のサイトを見ながら練習…

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April 2, 2026

📚️Reading:Level N4:The Secret of April 1st "Lies" 4月1日の「ウソ」のひみつ

📚️Reading:Level N4:The Secret of April 1st "Lies" 4月1日の「ウソ」のひみつ ◆I am reading a Japanese text. Please practice while looking at the reading material website.From February 2026, I have been using Sally’s original reading scripts. *Beginner Japanese…

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March 31, 2026

Why Does Japan's School Year Start in April? The Surprising Answer Involves Rice 日本の新学年はなぜ4月?その意外な理由はお米にあった

Meta Description: Japan's school year starts in April — and that alone makes it unusual by global standards. Japanese language teacher Sally digs into the surprisingly deep history behind this springtime tradition, and uncovers a connection you'd n…

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March 26, 2026

Learn Japanese Keigo: Why It Feels So Hard 日本語の敬語:難しいのか?

Meta DescriptionLearn Japanese keigo in a simple and gentle way. This guide explains honorifics clearly for beginners and adult learners with practical examples. Hello everyone, this is Sally. If you are learning Japanese, you may have heard that k…

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March 24, 2026

📚️Reading:Level N4:敬語、むずかしすぎる問題

◆日本語の朗読 ろうどく|Reading aloud日本語の文章を私が読んでいます。朗読素材のサイトを見ながら練習してください。 2026年2月からはSallyオリジナル朗読シナリオを使っていますI am reading a Japanese text. Please practice while looking at the reading material website.From February 2026, I have been using Sally’s original rea…

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March 19, 2026

A Cat Named Hope: Community Cats, Japanese Pet Culture & My Heart 地域猫ホープ:日本のペット文化と私の想い

Hello, dear listeners. I'm Sally, your Japanese language teacher — and today, I'm setting aside our planned lesson on keigo (honorific language) for something a little different. I hope you'll bear with me, because right now, there's something weigh…

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March 17, 2026

📚️Reading:Level N5:Nobody's Cat, Everybody's Cat まちの

◆日本語の朗読 ろうどく|Reading aloud日本語の文章を私が読んでいます。朗読素材のサイトを見ながら練習してください。 2026年2月からはSallyオリジナル朗読シナリオを使っていますI am reading a Japanese text. Please practice while looking at the reading material website.From February 2026, I have been using Sally’s original rea…

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March 12, 2026

Business Japanese Beyond Keigo 社会人としての日本語とは

Meta DescriptionDiscover what business Japanese truly means beyond keigo. Learn how Japanese for working adults builds communication skills, relationships, and cultural understanding. Are you studying Japanese and thinking about working in Japan on…

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March 10, 2026

📚️Reading:Level N4: Words Build Relationships 言葉が関係を作る

◆日本語の朗読 ろうどく|Reading aloud日本語の文章を私が読んでいます。朗読素材のサイトを見ながら練習してください。 2026年2月からはSallyオリジナル朗読シナリオを使っていますI am reading a Japanese text. Please practice while looking at the reading material website.From February 2026, I have been using Sally’s original rea…

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March 5, 2026

Why Japanese Is Unique: 4 Key Features 日本語の4つの特徴

Meta DescriptionDiscover four key features of the Japanese language, including SOV word order, flexible sentences, and omitted subjects. Perfect for Japanese for Beginners. IntroductionHave you ever felt that Japanese sentences sound different from…

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March 3, 2026

📚️Reading:Level N4:Japanese is a mysterious language 日本語は不思議な言語

◆日本語の朗読 ろうどく|Reading aloud日本語の文章を私が読んでいます。朗読素材のサイトを見ながら練習してください。 2026年2月からはSallyオリジナル朗読シナリオを使っていますI am reading a Japanese text. Please practice while looking at the reading material website.From February 2026, I have been using Sally’s original rea…

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Feb. 26, 2026

The 30-Minute Rule: From “Three-Day Monk” to Real Strength 三日坊主と継続は力なり

Meta DescriptionCan 30 minutes a day really change your life? Sally reflects on consistency, the Japanese phrase “mikka-bōzu,” and how steady effort builds true strength. IntroductionHave you ever started something with excitement, only to stop a f…

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Feb. 24, 2026

📚️Reading:Level N4:The Language Staircase: Consistency Over Three-Day Habits 言語の階段:三日坊主を超えよう

◆日本語の朗読 ろうどく|Reading aloud日本語の文章を私が読んでいます。朗読素材のサイトを見ながら練習してください。I am reading a Japanese text. Please practice while looking at the reading material website.*Beginner Japanese Listening Practice *Intermediate Nihongo Podcast◆Summary あらすじAre you learn…

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Feb. 19, 2026

Why Cats Live So Peacefully in Japan: A Cultural Insight 日本の猫と、静かな共存のかたち

IntroductionHave you ever noticed how small, everyday scenes can reveal deep cultural values? Today, I’d like to share a quiet but meaningful story about cats in Japan—and what they teach us about coexistence, kindness, and daily life. ――――――――――1.…

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Feb. 17, 2026

📚️Reading:Level N3:日本の猫と「さくらねこ」の物語 The Story of Japanese Cats and "Sakura-neko"

◆日本語の朗読 ろうどく|Reading aloud日本語の文章を私が読んでいます。朗読素材のサイトを見ながら練習してください。I am reading a Japanese text. Please practice while looking at the reading material website.*Intermediate Japanese Listening Practice ◆Summary あらすじ Have you ever spotted a cat napping …

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Feb. 16, 2026

Winter Olympics Figure Skating: Practice, Mental Strength, and the First Penguin 冬のオリンピックとフィギュアスケート 練習とメンタルの力 ファーストペンギンの挑戦

Meta DescriptionA thoughtful look at Winter Olympics figure skating, mental strength, and steady practice—lessons that also apply to Japanese language learning. IntroductionAre you watching the Winter Olympics in your country? Today, I would like t…

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Feb. 12, 2026

Why I Added Multilingual Subtitles to My Japanese Courses 日本語学習と字幕翻訳のはなし

Meta Description(120–150 characters)A Japanese teacher explains why multilingual subtitles matter for adult learners and how they support effective Japanese language learning. IntroductionHello, I’m Sally, a Japanese language teacher.Let me ask y…

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Feb. 10, 2026

📚️Reading:Level N3:A New Map of Learning, Unfolding at Your Fingertips 指先から広がる、新しい学びの地図

◆日本語の朗読 ろうどく|Reading aloud日本語の文章を私が読んでいます。朗読素材のサイトを見ながら練習してください。I am reading a Japanese text. Please practice while looking at the reading material website.*Intermediate Japanese Listening Practice ◆Summary あらすじ This reading gently asks how much th…

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Feb. 5, 2026

Risshun and Setsubun: Japan’s Hidden New Year Tradition 立春と節分:日本の知られざる新年の伝統

Meta DescriptionDiscover Risshun and Setsubun, Japan’s traditional New Year. Learn about bean throwing, Ehomaki, and seasonal wisdom in easy, clear English. IntroductionHave you ever wondered if New Year’s Day is always January 1st?In Japan, there …

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Feb. 2, 2026

📚️Reading:Level N4:From Setsubun to Risshun (The Start of Spring)節分から立春へ

◆日本語の朗読 ろうどく|Reading aloud日本語の文章を私が読んでいます。朗読素材のサイトを見ながら練習してください。I am reading a Japanese text. Please practice while looking at the reading material website. *Beginner Japanese Podcast◆Summary あらすじ February’s Setsubun and the following day, Risshun.…

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