Substack https://nihongostorytime.substack.com/

This podcast is a slow and easy-to-follow Japanese podcast designed for learners. If you’d like to read the full transcription, it’s available inside Japanese Together, my Japanese learning community. Join us and enjoy transcripts, support, and a warm community of fellow learners! みなさん、Nihongo Storytimeののりこです。 2026年が始まりました。 みなさん、今年の目標を考えましたか?

This podcast is a slow and easy-to-follow Japanese podcast designed for learners. If you’d like to read the full transcription, it’s available inside Japanese Together, my Japanese learning community. Join us and enjoy transcripts, support, and a warm community of fellow learners!

みなさん、こんにちは。 Nihongo Storytimeののりこです。 今、2026年1月です。 明けましておめでとうございます。 今年もみなさんたくさん日本語の勉強をしてください。 応援しています。 私はオンラインで日本語を教えています。 コミュニティJapanese Togetherがあります。 プライベートセッションに興味がある方は、Japanese with Norikoのウェブサイトをチェックしてみてください。

This podcast is a slow and easy-to-follow Japanese podcast designed for learners. If you’d like to read the full transcription, it’s available inside Japanese Together, my Japanese learning community. Join us and enjoy transcripts, support, and a warm community of fellow learners!

1. At the beginning of this year, did you set any goals for your Japanese?

What kind of goals were they?

And how do you feel about those goals now?

2. Did you have any moments this year when you felt excited about learning Japanese?

It’s important to enjoy learning.

Were there any times when you felt joy or excitement?

3. What are some things you became able to do this year?

Try to focus on what you can do now.

Even small things are OK—just think of one.

4. How have you been studying Japanese?

Write down all the methods you use: textbooks, italki lessons, podcasts, YouTube, reading books… anything. List every method and every material you use.

5. From that list, which method helped you get closer to your goal the most?

This question helps you check whether your learning methods match your goals.

Look again at your goals and your study methods: Do they align?

6. When things didn’t go well, how did you get back on track emotionally?

No one feels motivated all the time.

There must have been difficult days—days when you felt discouraged or when studying didn’t go well.

In those moments, how did you reset your mindset?

How did you lift yourself up again?

7. Now, let’s think about the future.

For the next six months, the next year, or next year in general— How do you want to learn Japanese?