Simple Japanese Listening with Meg（めぐ）Smile – Détails, épisodes et analyse

🌸 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.

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This video is perfect for:

・Upper beginner learners (around JLPT N4)

・Learners who enjoy story-based Japanese

・People interested in Japanese history and education

・Anyone who wants to build listening skills with meaningful content

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📚 Level

Upper Beginner (JLPT N4)

Clear and natural narration using N4-level grammar.

Some vocabulary is more advanced, but the story is told slowly and clearly for learners.

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🕒 Chapters

00:00 Opening (オープニング)

00:03 Introduction (イントロダクション)

00:31 Childhood（子どものころ）

01:38 Life in America（アメリカでの生活）

02:32 Difficulties After Returning to Japan（日本に帰ってからの苦労）

03:31 Going to America Again（もう一度、アメリカへ）

04:28 Activities in Japan（日本での活動）

05:09 A School for Women（女性のための学校）

07:19 Question Time (しつもんの時間)

07:40 True / False Quiz Part 1 (〇×クイズ①～⑥)

09:56 True / False Quiz Part 2 (〇×クイズ⑦～⑫)

12:35 Replay Guide (How to Listen / 聞き方の説明)

12:44 Listen Again Without Subtitles (字幕なしでもう一度ストーリーを聞こう)

19:31 Ending (エンディング)

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💡 Learning Tips

✔️ First, watch with subtitles and focus on the story.

✔️ Then, listen again without subtitles.

✔️ Pause after each question and answer out loud (〇 or ×).

✔️ Try shadowing short sentences.

✔️ Think about this question:

　How can education quietly change the future?

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📄 Study Materials

The full script (with/without furigana) and the vocabulary list are available as a paid study PDF on Ko-fi.

👉 https://ko-fi.com/s/3fdd12e608

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☕ Support My Channel

If you enjoy my content, consider supporting me on Ko-fi.

Your support helps me continue creating high-quality Japanese learning materials 💖

👉 https://ko-fi.com/megsmile

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🏯 About Meg

I am a certified Administrative Scrivener (immigration lawyer) in Japan

and a Japanese teacher who creates storytelling-based learning materials for beginners.

Immigration services (visa support):

👉 https://www.trust-gyosei.com/immigration-en/

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Note:

Some images and scenes in this episode are AI-generated or digitally illustrated for learning purposes.

Illustrations based on public domain photos are used where appropriate.

They are designed to support understanding and are not historical photographs.

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🎵 Images, Videos & Music Credits

CANVA: https://www.canva.com/

MotionElements: https://www.motionelements.com/

Adobe Stock: https://stock.adobe.com/jp/

Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)

BGMer: http://bgmer.net

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#JapaneseListening #LearnJapanese #EasyJapanese #JLPTN4 #UpperBeginnerJapanese #ComprehensibleJapanese #StorytellingJapanese #MegSmile #TsudaUmeko #JapaneseHistory #WomenInEducation #ListeningPractice

🌸 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 in polite “-masu” form

・Simple sentence structures and everyday vocabulary

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Because of this, the video is especially recommended for:

・Early JLPT N5 learners

・Students before studying te-form

・Learners who want to build listening confidence with gentle, natural narration

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Through Alex’s story, you can enjoy learning Japanese while listening to warm, everyday expressions about family, daily life, and personal feelings.

Take your time, relax, and enjoy listening 🌿

Feel free to listen again without subtitles for extra practice!

｜

📚 Level

Beginner (Early JLPT N5)

This story is told slowly and clearly, using mainly –masu form.

The te-form is not used, so it’s ideal for learners who are studying basic verb forms and want to listen to natural Japanese without advanced grammar.

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🕒 Chapters

00:00 Opening (オープニング)

00:32 Story Start ▷ Alex’s Family（ストーリー：アレックスさんの家族）

00:54 Alex’s Father (アレックスさんのお父さん)

02:26 Alex’s Mother (アレックスさんのお母さん)

03:14 Alex’s Sister (アレックスさんの妹)

04:18 Alex (アレックスさん)

05:12 Question Time (しつもんの時間)

05:19 Question Time Part 1 (しつもん①～⑦)

07:40 Question Time Part 2 (しつもん⑧～⑭)

10:13 Replay Guide (How to Listen / 聞き方の説明)

10:21 Listen Again Without Subtitles (字幕なしでもう一度ストーリーを聞こう)

15:02 Ending (エンディング)

｜

💡 Learning Tips

✔️ Listen several times — your ears will get used to natural Japanese.

✔️ Try shadowing short phrases aloud.

✔️ Answer the questions out loud to check comprehension.

✔️ Listen again without subtitles to build confidence.

✔️ Practice introducing your own family in Japanese!

｜

📄 Study Materials

The full script (with/without furigana, Romaji)and the vocabulary list are available as a study PDF on Ko-fi.

👉 https://ko-fi.com/s/32be8f43ea

｜

☕ Support My Channel

If you enjoy my content, consider supporting me on Ko-fi.

Your support helps me continue creating high-quality Japanese learning materials 💖

👉 https://ko-fi.com/megsmile

｜

🏯 About Meg

I am a certified Administrative Scrivener (immigration lawyer) in Japan

and a Japanese teacher who creates storytelling-based learning materials for beginners.

Immigration services (visa support):

👉 https://www.trust-gyosei.com/immigration-en/

｜

🎵 Images, Videos & Music Credits

CANVA: https://www.canva.com/

MotionElements: https://www.motionelements.com/

Adobe Stock: https://stock.adobe.com/jp/

BGMer: http://bgmer.net

｜

#JapaneseListening #EasyJapanese #LearnJapanese #JapaneseForBeginners #JLPTN5 #N5Japanese #ComprehensibleJapanese #JapaneseStory #JapaneseFamily #ListeningPractice #JapaneseStudy #StoryBasedLearning #MegSmile

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 practice.

☆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/69-the-mermaid-and-the-red-candle-n4

☆Would you like to take my class?

I’d love to help you start your Japanese learning journey!

Book a trial lesson directly through my website:

https://meg-smile.com/lesson/

（If it’s your first time, please book a trial lesson to get started.）

☆My profile page

https://meg-smile.com/about/

☆Love my content?

Consider supporting my work on Ko-fi! Your generosity helps me create more engaging Japanese learning resources for you. Every contribution is greatly appreciated! ☕️🌸

https://ko-fi.com/megsmile

☆Images, Videos & Music

CANVA：https://www.canva.com/

BGMer：http://bgmer.net

VSQ plus+：https://vsq.co.jp/plus/

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 this episode. Be sure to try 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://meg-smile.com/68-short-story-the-visitor-of-happiness-sachiko-n5/

☆Would you like to take my class?

I’d love to help you start your Japanese learning journey!

Book a trial lesson directly through my website:

https://meg-smile.com/lesson/

（If it’s your first time, please book a trial lesson to get started.）

☆My profile page

https://meg-smile.com/about/

☆Love my content?

Consider supporting my work on Ko-fi! Your generosity helps me create more engaging Japanese learning resources for you. Every contribution is greatly appreciated! ☕️🌸

https://ko-fi.com/megsmile

☆Images, Videos & Music

CANVA：https://www.canva.com/

Adobe Stock：https://stock.adobe.com/jp/

MotionElements：https://www.motionelements.com/

BGMer：http://bgmer.net

📢 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 Full Support Package

My office offers a special service, including:

・Complete assistance with visa applications

・Personalized Japanese lessons (online or in Kitakyushu!)

・Ongoing support via LINE and email

This is not just about getting a visa—it’s about creating a rich and enjoyable experience in Japan. Whether you need guidance on the application process or want to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, I’m here to support you every step of the way!

🌟 Ready to start your new journey in Japan? Visit my website for more details or send me a message. Let’s make your dream of living in Japan a reality!

https://www.trust-gyosei.com/japanese-digital-nomad-visa-about/

Don’t forget to comment below and let me know your thoughts. See you in Japan! 🇯🇵✨

This video was created as of November 2024. Please note that visa rules and regulations may change due to future legal revisions. For the most up-to-date information, feel free to contact our office.

This episode is suitable for JLPT-N3 level learners.

☆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/67-digital-nomad-visa-n3/

☆Would you like to take my class?

I’d love to help you start your Japanese learning journey!

Book a trial lesson directly through my website:

https://meg-smile.com/lesson/

（If it’s your first time, please book a trial lesson to get started.）

☆My profile page

https://meg-smile.com/about/

☆Love my content? Consider supporting my work on Ko-fi! Your generosity helps me create more engaging Japanese learning resources for you. Every contribution is greatly appreciated! ☕️🌸

https://ko-fi.com/megsmile

☆Music

MotionElements：https://www.motionelements.com/

BGMer：http://bgmer.net

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-smile.com/hair-donation-n4/

☆Would you like to take my class?

I’d love to help you start your Japanese learning journey!

Book a trial lesson directly through my website:

https://meg-smile.com/lesson/

（If it’s your first time, please book a trial lesson to get started.）

☆My profile page

https://meg-smile.com/about/

☆Love my content? Consider supporting my work on Ko-fi! Your generosity helps me create more engaging Japanese learning resources for you. Every contribution is greatly appreciated! ☕️🌸

https://ko-fi.com/megsmile

☆Music

MotionElements：https://www.motionelements.com/

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 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://meg-smile.com/65-spirit-of-the-river-n5/

☆Would you like to take my class?

I’d love to help you start your Japanese learning journey!

Book a trial lesson directly through my website:

https://meg-smile.com/lesson/

（If it’s your first time, please book a trial lesson to get started.）

☆My profile page

https://meg-smile.com/about/

☆Love my content? Consider supporting my work on Ko-fi! Your generosity helps me create more engaging Japanese learning resources for you. Every contribution is greatly appreciated! ☕️🌸

https://ko-fi.com/megsmile

☆Music

MotionElements：https://www.motionelements.com/

#comprehensible, #shortstory, #jlptn5, #podcast, #megsmile, storytelling, #listening, #japanese, #easyjapanese, #物語, #horror, #日本語の物語, #やさしい日本語, #japanesegrammar, #japasenestory,

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 suitable for JLPT-N3 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-smile.com/64-the-dark-side-of-momotaro-n3/

☆Would you like to take my class?

I’d love to help you start your Japanese learning journey!

Book a trial lesson directly through my website:

https://meg-smile.com/lesson/

（If it’s your first time, please book a trial lesson to get started.）

☆My profile page

https://meg-smile.com/about/

☆Love my content? Consider supporting my work on Ko-fi! Your generosity helps me create more engaging Japanese learning resources for you. Every contribution is greatly appreciated! ☕️🌸

https://ko-fi.com/megsmile

☆Music

MotionElements：https://www.motionelements.com/

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://meg-smile.com/63-the-prism-rainbow-umbrella-n4/

☆Would you like to take my class?

I’d love to help you start your Japanese learning journey!

Book a trial lesson directly through my website:

https://meg-smile.com/lesson/

（If it’s your first time, please book a trial lesson to get started.）

☆My profile page

https://meg-smile.com/about/

☆Love my content? Consider supporting my work on Ko-fi! Your generosity helps me create more engaging Japanese learning resources for you. Every contribution is greatly appreciated! ☕️🌸

https://ko-fi.com/megsmile

☆Music

MotionElements：https://www.motionelements.com/

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

https://meg-smile.com/62-the-cat-and-the-old-letter-n5/

☆Would you like to take my class?

I’d love to help you start your Japanese learning journey!

Book a trial lesson directly through my website:

https://meg-smile.com/lesson/

（If it’s your first time, please book a trial lesson to get started.）

☆My profile page

https://meg-smile.com/about/

☆Love my content? Consider supporting my work on Ko-fi! Your generosity helps me create more engaging Japanese learning resources for you. Every contribution is greatly appreciated! ☕️🌸

https://ko-fi.com/megsmile

☆Music

MotionElements：https://www.motionelements.com/