Learn how to get disaster-ready in Japan: the 3 essential items (water, food, toilet), helpful gear from ¥100 shops, how to check your local shelter, and a weekend challenge!

Buy 9L of water and save your shelter on Maps. I also share what I keep in my own emergency kit. Free checklist on my website!

🎧 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!

Travel priorities differ worldwide, but in Japan delicious food almost always takes first place. I’ll share why I think food is such a big deal when Japanese people travel—seasonal ingredients, local specialties like Sanuki udon, and the passion behind every dish.

Compare your own travel must-haves, pick up useful vocabulary, and enjoy a flavorful slice of Japanese culture along the way!

🎧 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!

What happens when your dream career no longer fits who you are? Rui opens up about the turning point.

In the second half of our conversation, Rui talks honestly about leaving his band after a difficult breakup caused by 方向性の違い (a difference in direction). He shares what happened behind the scenes, the emotional fallout, and how he slowly rebuilt his friendships with former bandmates. We also dive into his transition from musician to Japanese content creator—why he chose to make videos and podcasts, and how he found joy in helping learners around the world. I ask him about his “win-win-win” mindset: how to create content that helps others, fulfills him creatively, and remains sustainable. It’s a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about creativity, purpose, and learning through change.

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

Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 274”) 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!

What’s it really like to chase your dream in Tokyo’s indie scene? Rui shares his story.

In this episode, I talk with Rui from Okkei Japanese about his twenties—how he quit a steady job, took overnight buses to Tokyo, and played in tiny live houses (small concert venues popular in Japan’s indie scene), often paying out of pocket to perform. He eventually pulled off a sold-out ワンマンライブ (a solo show by one band) in Tokyo—an important milestone for any independent artist.

We also talk about the world of 対バン shows, where multiple bands share the same event and try to bring their own fans. If you’re curious about how Japan’s indie music scene works—or just want to hear natural conversation with deep cultural context—this one’s for you.

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

Search by episode number (e.g., “EP 273”) 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!

AI is helpful—but have you ever felt “zotto” (a chill)? I talk about 3 major fears people have about AI, including privacy, job loss, and deepfakes. Then I share my own moment of unease when I realized I enjoyed chatting with AI more than with a new person. What does that mean for our future? I also share my simple idea for staying human—meeting face-to-face, and making real memories.

💡「ゾッとする」 describes the physical and emotional reaction you get when something gives you the chills—like fear, creepiness, or disgust. It’s that sudden, cold shiver that runs through your body when you’re spooked or grossed out.

🎧 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!

Why are Japan’s streets so clean—even though there are almost no public trash cans? Many visitors are surprised by this mystery. In this episode, we take a deeper look at why Japan is considered one of the cleanest countries in the world. Beyond the strong sense of social responsibility and rule-following, we highlight the quiet efforts of local volunteers—ordinary people who pick up trash in their neighborhoods each morning. Discover how these unsung heroes help keep Japan beautiful.

🎧 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!

In this episode, I’d like to share something a little different — a preview of my new side project,

うとうと time – Sleepy Japanese Podcast 🌙

This project was inspired by one of my students who said:

“I have trouble falling asleep at night…”

So I thought, maybe I could make something gentle, slow, and sleepy — in Japanese.

In “utouto time,” I literally lie down and talk softly in simple, natural Japanese.

There’s no music. Not much happens.

Honestly… it might even be a little boring. But that’s the point. 😴

If you like what you hear in this episode,

you can find the full version of utouto time here:

https://linktr.ee/utoutotime

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and more.

Perfect for:

– unwinding before bed

– relaxing while listening to Japanese

– falling asleep while learning

Let me know what you think, and feel free to suggest topics you’d like me to talk about.

Thanks for listening!

Meeting someone new can feel nerve-racking, so I invite fellow creator YUYU to share real-life tips for making a great first impression in Japan. We compare polite vs. casual speech, balance listening and talking, handle eye contact, and reveal simple grooming hacks (think nails & nose hair!) that help you look and sound friendly—never scary. Perfect for intermediate learners who want natural examples and cultural insight while laughing along!

🐧❤️ Want to listen offline or on the go?

The full audio is now available on the website for streaming and download—exclusively for Silver members and above.

Plus, enjoy access to the video version, transcript, vocabulary, and grammar tips to support your learning.

👉 Explore more: sayurisaying.com