• ビートたけし『アナログ』
• 太宰治『女生徒』
• 九段理江『Schoolgirl』
• 坂木司『和菓子とアン』
• 坂木司『アンと青春』
• 村田沙耶香『世界99上下』
• 村田沙耶香『コンビニ人間』
• 村田沙耶香『消滅世界』
• 星野道夫『約束の川』
• 村田沙耶香『消滅世界』
• 朝井リョウ『時をかけるゆとり』

In this episode of Book Talk with Yuko, Noriko and Yuko talk about several Japanese books they have recently read or want to recommend.

First, Yuko introduces the novel “アナログ” by Beat Takeshi. It is a romantic story about a man and a woman who decide not to exchange contact information and instead meet at the same restaurant every Thursday. The story feels very “analog” in a digital age.

Next, Noriko talks about “Schoolgirl” by Kudan Rie, a short story connected to Dazai Osamu’s “女生徒.” The story explores relationships between three generations of women and touches on modern topics like social media and environmental activism.

Yuko then introduces the “An-chan series” by Sakaki Tsukasa, which takes place in a department store food basement (depachika) and features traditional Japanese sweets. The story focuses on everyday life, human relationships, and personal growth.

Noriko also shares her thoughts about “世界 99” by Sayaka Murata, a dystopian novel that explores society, gender roles, and a mysterious new creature called “Pyokorun.” The book is intense and thought-provoking.

For a calmer reading experience, Yuko recommends “Yakusoku no Kawa” by photographer Hoshino Michio, a book that beautifully describes nature and life in northern regions.

Finally, Noriko talks about the essay “Toki wo Kakeru Yutori” by Asai Ryo, which made her laugh a lot because of its humorous stories about everyday life.

They conclude by encouraging listeners to choose books depending on their mood—sometimes relaxing books, sometimes challenging ones—and invite listeners to join their Japanese Together book club.

• 恋愛小説 — れんあいしょうせつ — romance novel

• 連絡先 — れんらくさき — contact information

• 現代 — げんだい — modern times

• 会話 — かいわ — conversation

• 表現 — ひょうげん — expression

• 読書体験 — どくしょたいけん — reading experience

• 世代 — せだい — generation

• 母と娘の関係 —ははとむすめのかんけい — mother-daughter relationship

• 環境問題 — かんきょうもんだい — environmental issues

• 和菓子 — わがし — Japanese traditional sweets

• デパ地下 — でぱちか — department store food basement

• 主人公 — しゅじんこう — protagonist

• 成長 — せいちょう — personal growth

• 社会 — しゃかい — society

• 価値観 — かちかん — values

• 生きづらさ — いきづらさ — difficulty of living / social pressure

• 自然 — しぜん — nature

• 写真家 — しゃしんか — photographer

• 描写 — びょうしゃ — description

• 癒し — いやし — healing / comfort

• エッセイ — えっせい — essay

• 日常 — にちじょう — everyday life

• 失敗談 — しっぱいだん — story about a mistake

My program : Let's read a Japanese novel

1️⃣ Short English Summary：In this episode, Noriko talks about “luxury time” and “analog experiences” in our modern digital world.

She begins by sharing a recent visit to the cinema in Liverpool. The tickets and popcorn were expensive, and the movie itself was not very good. However, she realized that watching a film without checking her smartphone for two hours felt like a luxury.

Noriko reflects on what “luxury” means today. For her, luxury is not expensive hotels or restaurants, but cultural experiences such as going to museums, concerts, events, or reading quietly in a café.

She also talks about analog choices in a digital world. Because we are constantly connected to smartphones, the internet, and AI, many people feel information fatigue. Noriko shares how she limits her social media time and tries to reconnect with slower, more intentional experiences.

For example, one of her students built a mechanical analog watch, and her husband started wearing a traditional watch again to check the time during meetings without using his phone.

Noriko also joined two meetups in Liverpool: a Quiet Book Club and a philosophy discussion group. Although she is introverted, meeting people face-to-face felt refreshing and meaningful.

She concludes that choosing slightly inconvenient, analog experiences—like going to the cinema, reading books, or meeting people in person—may actually be a modern form of luxury.

2️⃣ Vocabulary List (for understanding the episode)

• 贅沢（ぜいたく） — luxury
• 文化的（ぶんかてき） — cultural
• 特別展示（とくべつてんじ） — special exhibition
• 情報（じょうほう） — information
• 情報疲れ（じょうほうづかれ） — information fatigue
• 悪循環（あくじゅんかん） — vicious cycle
• 制限する（せいげんする） — to limit / control
• 腕時計（うでどけい） — wristwatch
• 部品（ぶひん） — parts / components
• 組み立てる（くみたてる） — to assemble
• 通知（つうち） — notification
• 便利（べんり） — convenient
• 不便（ふべん） — inconvenient
• 確認する（かくにんする） — to check / confirm
• 集まる（あつまる） — to gather
• 実際に（じっさいに） — in reality / in person
• 新鮮（しんせん） — fresh / new feeling
• 体験（たいけん） — experience
• 傾向（けいこう） — tendency
• 選ぶ（えらぶ） — to choose

🎧 Episode Summary : In this Coffee Break with Noriko episode, recorded in late February 2026, Noriko shares reflections on her month.

She talks about celebrating her 19th wedding anniversary at a high-end restaurant in Liverpool — delicious food, but very small portions! She also shares her disappointment about a postponed rock concert that has been rescheduled for a year later, which makes her reflect on how unpredictable life can be.

A highlight of the month was reconnecting with her husband’s childhood friend, who is currently on a three-month world trip. Hearing about his journey inspires Noriko to think more seriously about travel and making the most of life while she is healthy.

She also reflects on her recent reading, especially Sekai 99 by Sayaka Murata — a powerful and mentally exhausting dystopian novel — and an essay collection by Banana Yoshimoto, which reminded her to live simply, avoid excessive desire, and not expect anything in return when doing something for others.

Finally, she encourages listeners to turn input into output — after listening or reading something, try summarizing it or sharing your thoughts. Small output habits can transform language learning.

📚 Vocabulary List (15 Key Words)

• 結婚記念日（けっこんきねんび）– wedding anniversary

• 高級レストラン（こうきゅうレストラン）– high-end restaurant

• 延期（えんき）– postponement

• 再会（さいかい）– reunion

• 世界一周（せかいいっしゅう）– around-the-world trip

• 憧れる（あこがれる）– to admire / to long for

• 中年（ちゅうねん）– middle age

• 上下巻（じょうげかん）– two-volume set (upper and lower volumes)

• 放心状態（ほうしんじょうたい）– state of shock / mental blankness

• 衝撃的（しょうげきてき）– shocking

• エッセイ – essay

• 欲（よく）– desire

• 見返り（みかえり）– something in return / reward

• 名言（めいげん）– memorable quote / wise saying

• アウトプット – output (active production, e.g., speaking/writing)

🎧 Short English Summary : In this episode of Philosophy Playground, Noriko reflects on a discussion she joined at a museum in Liverpool. The theme was ancient Egyptian mummies and morality. She explores three philosophical questions: Is it morally acceptable to display human remains in museums? Is a mummy still the same person who once lived? And should we judge ancient cultures by today’s moral standards? There are no correct answers. The purpose of this episode is to think deeply and respectfully about history, identity, and human dignity.

• 道徳（どうとく）– morality

• 遺体（いたい）– human remains, corpse

• 展示（てんじ）– exhibition, display

• 敬意（けいい）– respect

• 尊厳（そんげん）– dignity

• 価値観（かちかん）– values

• 判断する（はんだんする）– to judge

• 基準（きじゅん）– standard, criterion

• 意識（いしき）– consciousness

• 宗教観（しゅうきょうかん）– religious belief, view of religion

🌿 English Summary: In this episode of the Japanese Brain Friendly Coaching Series, Noriko talks about what really happens to your brain when you step outside your comfort zone. She shares her recent experience attending a philosophy discussion meetup in Liverpool. As a non-native English speaker, she felt nervous and unsure, especially in a fast-paced group of native speakers. However, by participating, sharing her opinion, and staying in the conversation, she experienced a strong sense of achievement.

Noriko explains that progress is not about becoming perfect. It is about gently stepping into slightly uncomfortable situations. Moderate nervousness is not harmful. In fact, it helps the brain grow. By repeating these small challenges in a safe environment, we train our brain to handle real-life conversations more calmly.

She encourages listeners not to wait until they feel fully confident or “ready.” Growth begins when we take one small step outside our comfort zone.

1. コンフォートゾーン
安心していられる、自分にとって楽な環境や状態。

2. 抜け出す（ぬけだす）
今いる場所や状態から出ること。

3. 哲学ディスカッション（てつがく）
人生や価値観などについて意見を交換する話し合い。

4. 初対面（しょたいめん）
初めて会うこと。

5. ネイティブスピーカー
その言語を母語として話す人。

6. 聞き取る（ききとる）
話している内容を理解する。

7. 達成感（たっせいかん）
やりとげたときに感じる満足感。

8. 進歩（しんぽ）
少しずつ良くなること。上達すること。

9. 準備（じゅんび）
前もって用意すること。

10. 緊張（きんちょう）
ドキドキして体や心がかたくなること。

11. 慣れる（なれる）
経験をくり返して自然にできるようになること。

12. 適度（てきど）
ちょうどよい程度。強すぎないこと。

13. 安全な雰囲気（あんぜん な ふんいき）
安心できる空気や環境。

14. 足を踏み出す（あしを ふみだす）
新しいことに挑戦する。

15. 完璧（かんぺき）
まちがいがなく、完全であること。

• English Summary : In this episode, Noriko talks about the importance of listening in communication, inspired by the bestselling book 人は聞き方が９割 by Shigehisa Nagamatsu.

  Many language learners feel pressure to speak well, say smart things, or avoid mistakes. But this episode shifts the focus from speaking to listening. According to the book, good communicators are not those who talk the most, but those who make others feel comfortable and heard.

  Noriko reflects on her own experiences in Japanese, English, and podcast conversations, and explains why the listener is the true main character of a conversation. She introduces the idea of “魔法の傾聴 （まほうのけいちょう）” and shares five key listening behaviours.

  Finally, Noriko encourages Japanese learners to stop worrying so much about perfect grammar or vocabulary and to focus on listening with genuine interest and asking simple, thoughtful questions. By doing so, conversations can become more natural, relaxed, and enjoyable.

  • 聞き方｜ききかた｜way of listening

  • 聞く力｜きくちから｜listening skills

  • 会話の主役｜かいわ の しゅやく｜main character of a conversation

  • 聞き手｜ききて｜listener

  • 安心感｜あんしんかん｜sense of security, feeling of safety

  • うなずき｜nodding

  • 相づち｜あいづち｜verbal listening responses

  • 否定しない｜ひていしない｜not to deny, not to reject

  • 受け止める｜うけとめる｜to accept, to take in

  • 質問を投げかける｜しつもん を なげかける｜to ask questions, to prompt with questions

  
  

• 宮島未奈『成瀬は天下を取りにいく』
• 宮島未奈『成瀬は信じた道をいく』
• 宮島未奈『成瀬は都を駆け抜ける』
• 宮島未奈『婚活マエストロ』
• 新書
• 齋藤孝『思考を整えるメモ力』
• 中林くみこ 『独学で英語を話せるようになった人がやっていること』
• 齋藤孝『こども孫子の兵法』
• 滝沢 カレン（たきざわ カレン）日本のモデル・タレント
• 片山 龍峯（聞き手）、姉崎等（あねざきひとし・狩人）『クマにあったらどうするか』
• 外山滋比古（とやま しげひこ）『思考の整理学』
• 稲垣 えみ子『老後とピアノ』
• 夏目漱石『こころ』
• 太宰治『人間失格』

English Summary

In this episode of Book Talk with Yuko, we talk about reading during a slump and how books still leave traces even when we can’t fully immerse ourselves.
From novel series and essays to non-fiction, we reflect on taking notes, thinking through reading, and continuing to learn along the way. It’s a gentle conversation about reading as a process, not a goal.

🎧 Listener Questions｜リスナーさんへの質問

① 読書スランプについて

🇯🇵最近、読書スランプを感じたことはありますか？そのとき、どんな本を手に取りましたか？

🇬🇧Have you experienced a reading slump recently? What kind of book did you pick up during that time?

② メモと読書

🇯🇵本を読むとき、メモを取りますか？記憶に残った言葉を心の中にとどめるタイプですか？

🇬🇧Do you take notes when you read? Or do you prefer to keep meaningful words in your memory?

③ 学びのプロセスについて

🇯🇵「ゴール」よりも「過程」が大切だと感じた経験はありますか？それは、読書や学びの中でのどんな場面でしたか？

🇬🇧Have you ever felt that the process mattered more than the goal? In what situation—reading or learning—did you feel that way?

• In this episode, Noriko continues her conversation with Yasuyo, reflecting on a deeply inspiring trip to Japan. Yasuyo shares how meeting the works and philosophies of artists and architects she admires renewed her energy and outlook on life.

  They talk about creators who stayed active well into old age, including Saburo Yunoki and Tadao Ando, and reflect on the powerful idea that youth is not about age, but about continuing to create, challenge, and feel curiosity.

  The conversation explores how art, travel, and music can awaken our senses, lift us during moments of self-doubt, and remind us to live with gratitude. The episode closes with a warm reminder to say out loud, “I’m happy right now,” and to keep passing inspiration forward — because as long as we’re alive, it’s still youth.
  

  • 青春｜せいしゅん｜youth
  • 生きている限り｜いきているかぎり｜as long as one is alive
  • 現役｜げんえき｜active (still working), in service
  • 生涯現役｜しょうがい げんえき｜active for one’s entire life
  • 尊敬する｜そんけいする｜to respect, to admire
  • 人生の先輩｜じんせい の せんぱい｜life mentor, senior in life
  • 生き方｜いきかた｜way of living, life philosophy
  • 作品｜さくひん｜work (of art), creation
  • 展覧会｜てんらんかい｜exhibition
  • インスピレーション｜いんすぴれーしょん｜inspiration
  • 挑戦｜ちょうせん｜challenge
  • 年齢｜ねんれい｜age
  • 言い訳｜いいわけ｜excuse
  • 前向き｜まえむき｜positive, forward-looking
  • 直感｜ちょっかん｜intuition
  • 旅のハイライト｜たび の はいらいと｜highlight of a trip
  • 縁｜えん｜connection, fate, bond
  • 縁結び｜えんむすび｜bringing connections together
  • 感覚を呼び覚ます｜かんかく を よびさます｜to awaken the senses
  • 循環する｜じゅんかんする｜to circulate, to pass on