About The Very Simple Japanese Podcast: Short Stories to Help You Learn Japanese
Hello. Nice to meet you, I’m Onigiri.
In this podcast, I’ll be reading stories in Japanese. The level is from beginner to intermediate. I use simple Japanese, so it’s perfect for listening practice. A script is also available, so you can read along and learn with me.
Now, let’s get started!
こんにちは！はじめまして、おにぎりです。
このポッドキャストでは、日本語で物語を読みます。
レベルは初級から中級です。やさしい言葉で話すので、リスニングの練習にぴったりです。スクリプトもあるので、一緒に読んで学べます。
それでは始めましょう。
You can get the scripts here → https://www.patreon.com/Onigiri888
Check out my YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@onigirinihongoclub
Today’s episode tells the story of the Twelve Zodiac Animals — a famous tale that explains how the zodiac began.
(Key words)
じゅんばん：order, sequence
〜ばん：number
とうちゃくする：to arrive
You can get the scripts here → https://www.patreon.com/Onigiri888
Youtube → https://youtu.be/hFVv9yGRpNI (https://youtu.be/hFVv9yGRpNI)
If you enjoy this story, please like, subscribe, and share so more learners can join our club. Let’s study Japanese together!
25 Jan 2026
The Straw Millionaire - わらしべちょうじゃ
In this episode, we explore the famous Japanese folktale “The Straw Millionaire (Warashibe Chōja)”. “Warashibe” means a straw stem and “chōja” means a wealthy person.
It’s about an unlucky young man who starts his journey with only a single straw. By valuing small things, helping others, and never giving up, the straw slowly turns into oranges, cloth, a horse, and finally a big house.
This heartwarming story teaches us an important lesson:
even small things can lead to great happiness if we treat them with care and kindness.
Enjoy the story, learn new vocabulary, and discover the wisdom hidden in Japanese folktales.
(Keywords)
わら : straw, あぶ : horse fly, みかん : oranges, ぬの : cloth, fabri, 馬(うま) : horse, 家(いえ) : house, こうかんする : to exchange, trade
10 Jan 2026
The Straw Hat Jizō - かさじぞう
This episode tells the classic Japanese folktale Kasajizō. Set in a cold winter, this fantasy story teaches the value of kindness and caring for others. Perfect for Japanese learners who want to enjoy stories while improving their listening skills.
(Keywords)
笠（かさ）kasa : straw hat that people wore in the old days.
お地蔵さま （おじぞうさま）jizō : a Buddhist figure that looks like a small monk.
You can get the scripts 📄 here→https://www.patreon.com/Onigiri888
Youtube → https://www.youtube.com/@onigirinihongoclub (https://www.youtube.com/@onigirinihongoclub/podcasts)
If you enjoy this story, please like, subscribe, and share so more learners can join our club. Let’s study Japanese together!
14 Dec 2025
The Fox’s Messenger - きつねのつかい
Today’s story is about きつね (fox), lantern oil, and a little temptation… 👀 The keywords are あぶらabura (oil) , いちごう ichigou (180ml), ばける bakeru (transform) and ぺろりperori (lick). Let’s relax, listen, and enjoy learning Japanese😊
You can get the scripts ↓
https://www.patreon.com/Onigiri888
Youtube → https://youtu.be/h13YNdk-B6Y
22 Nov 2025
The Story of Ikkyu - Do Not Cross This Bridge
In this episode, I read a classic Japanese folktale about Ikkyu, a clever young monk known for his wit (とんち tonchi).
The story plays with the Japanese word “hashi,” which can mean “bridge” or “edge.”
Ikkyu uses this double meaning to outsmart the adults around him in a funny and surprising way.
This is a short, beginner-friendly listening practice with simple Japanese. Relax, listen, and enjoy the wisdom and humor of traditional Japanese stories.
YouTube ➡️ https://youtu.be/bK1hXXSNR7k
9 Nov 2025
The Story of Ikkyu - The Poison Candy Syrup いっきゅうさん - みずあめのどく
Today’s story is about Ikkyu, a smart and funny young monk who always finds creative ways to solve problems. Here’re some words in the story..
kozou-san : a child monk
Osho-san : a head monk
mizuame : malt syrup
doku : poison
suzuri : ink stone
Enjoy this classic Japanese tale!
You can get the scripts here ↓ https://www.patreon.com/Onigiri888
Youtube ↓
https://youtu.be/iAnYw5tRz4w
25 Oct 2025
Zashiki-warashi - ざしきわらし
Meet Zashiki-warashi, a childlike spirit from Japanese folklore.
It brings good luck to the home, but if it leaves, bad luck may follow. A gentle and mysterious story about luck, spirits, and home.
You can download the scripts (PDF) on Patreon.
・FREE English translation script → https://www.patreon.com/Onigiri888
・Full scripts (Hiragana + Kanji + English + Vocabulary Sheets) → for Patreon members
Youtube → https://youtu.be/-Dv6G7BZg80 (https://youtu.be/-Dv6G7BZg80)
11 Oct 2025
Princess Kaguya - かぐやひめ
Today’s story is a Japanese folktale ”Princess Kaguya” - it’s a fantasy story. I hope you enjoy listening.
You can download the scripts (PDF) on Patreon.
・FREE English translation script → https://www.patreon.com/Onigiri888
・Full scripts (Hiragana + Kanji + English + Vocabulary Sheets) → for Patreon members
You can also watch it on YouTube. Please check it out!
27 Sept 2025
The Old Man with a Lump - こぶとりじいさん
Today’s story is a Japanese folktale “The Old Man with a Lump.” It’s about two old men. What kind of old men do you think they were? Let’s find out!
You can download the scripts (PDF) on Patreon.
・FREE English translation script →https://www.patreon.com/Onigiri888
・Full scripts (Hiragana + Kanji + English + Vocabulary Sheets)
→ for Patreon members
If you enjoy this story, please like, subscribe, and share so more learners can join our club. Let’s study Japanese together!
13 Sept 2025
Happiness - しあわせ
In this story, “Happiness” (しあわせ) by Shimazaki Tōson, we reflect on the meaning of happiness. The story asks: What is happiness to you? I’d love to hear your thoughts - please share in the comments!
📖 Transcripts (PDF) :
Free English script → available on my Patreon (Free tier)
Full Japanese scripts (Hiragana + Kanji + English) → available for members
👉 Check out the Patreon page here:
https://www.patreon.com/Onigiri888
If you enjoy the story, please like, subscribe, and share so more learners can join our club.
Let’s study Japanese together!
23 Aug 2025
Two Frogs - 二匹のかえる
This story is based on the work “Two Frogs” by Niimi Nankichi from Aozora Bunko.
You can get the script on Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/Onigiri888
This way you can enjoy the story step by step, and improve your listening and reading skills too.
I hope this new Podcast will help you to improve your Japanese. Let’s learn and enjoy Japanese together!
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