When someone says "考えます" (I'll think about it), how much thinking is actually happening? In this episode I put Tatsuya, an online Japanese teacher, through a quiz on 本音 (true feelings) and 建前 (the polite front) — everyday phrases where the literal meaning and the real meaning don't quite line up. Turning down an invitation, replying to a business proposal, reacting to a photo of someone's new partner. Even as a native speaker, I've misread these myself🙈 If you've ever felt stuck between the words and the intention, this one's for you!

Tatsuya also teaches Japanese online. If you're looking for a teacher, check out his trial lesson and Instagram in the links below! 🗓️ https://calendly.com/tatsuya-diginjapan/trial-30minute-lesson

https://www.instagram.com/tatsuyajapanese/

---

🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com

Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

🩷 Support this podcast

https://sayurisaying.com/support

My mom just got a passport, and I'm the reason why.

In this episode, I talk about Oyakoko (親孝行 — caring for and giving back to your parents) and its opposite, Oyafuko (親不孝）. We look at the kanji together, visit a street in Fukuoka with an unexpected name, and pick up everyday expressions like 門限を破る (to break curfew). I also share three small ways I think we can show our parents we care, plus a proverb most people in Japan know. Take your time and listen along!

🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com

Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

🩷 Support this podcast

https://sayurisaying.com/support

Yusuke(もしもしゆうすけ）once saw a young employee walk in late — Starbucks cup in hand, smiling — and we ended up talking about what's really shifting in Japan's workplaces. Is the younger generation just more relaxed, or is something bigger changing? We get into generational gaps, punctuality, paid leave, and power harassment — and what it all means for the future of Japanese work culture. It's the kind of conversation you'd have over coffee, not in a classroom. Come listen in!

🎧 Full transcript, video, and more: https://sayurisaying.com

Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 120”) to find what you need!🐧 Join the Penguin Family for bonus content & support the show! Your support helps keep this podcast alive and means a lot to me. Thank you for considering!

🩷 Support this podcast

https://sayurisaying.com/support