Podcast

Join SayuriSaying for weekly insights into Japanese culture and language, perfect for intermediate learners and cultural enthusiasts. Enjoy solo episodes and guest features covering everything from social norms to deep cultural concepts. Silver Penguin members and above get access to video podcasts with subtitles and easy-to-copy transcripts (with or without furigana)

220 posts

Why I’m Pausing the Podcast for Two Months #312

tiers – 15 min read

２ヶ月間お休みしてインドに行ってきます。In this episode, I share why I’ll be taking a two-month break until mid-May. I explain my decision to travel to India to study yoga in Rishikesh and explore South Indian food and Ayurveda. I also talk about what a sabbatical means and why this time away matters to me.

Mar 9, 2026

Japan's New Bicycle Fines Start April 2026! Are You Ready? #311

tiers – 25 min read

自転車の交通違反に青切符🚲 From April 2026, Japan is getting serious about bicycle fines up to ¥12,000! The rules aren't new, but now they'll actually enforce them. In this episode, I break down key vocabulary and what to watch out for before it's too late!

Mar 2, 2026

What Do Japanese People Really Eat for Breakfast? #310

tiers – 17 min read

朝ごはん、何食べる？In this laid-back episode, I talk about what Japanese people actually eat for breakfast — it might surprise you! From clay pot rice and TKG to miso soup and occasional avocado toast, I share my simple morning habits. Warning: you might get hungry!

Feb 23, 2026

"So Peaceful…" What Do You Think While Watching Beautiful Scenery? #309

tiers – 15 min read

YUYUさんと自然と景色について話しました☺️What do you think about when you see beautiful scenery? YUYU and I talk about nature in Japan, peaceful views, and how watching mountains and oceans helps calm our minds. From Toyama's snowy peaks to Enoshima sunsets. Let's relax together.

Feb 16, 2026

If You Could Live Anywhere… Talking About Our Dream Homes #308

tiers – 16 min read

YUYUさんと理想の家について話しました。If you could live anywhere, where would it be? YUYU and I share our dream homes 🏠from his grandmother's Japanese house with seasonal gardens and engawa to my lakeside vision with a big bathtub. What's your ideal home?

Feb 9, 2026

Why I'm Leaving Osaka: A Love Letter & Goodbye #307

tiers – 16 min read

グッバイ大阪....This episode is my love letter to Osaka—and my goodbye. I share why "too much fun" became exhausting, what 20+ moves taught me about happiness, and why I'm finally choosing peace over excitement. For anyone considering a move in Japan!

Feb 2, 2026

After the Detox: What 30 Days Without Social Media Taught Me #306

tiers – 14 min read

SNSを30日間減らしてみた結果！Remember my 30-day social media detox from Episode 298? It's done! I'll share what was tough (that 15-minute limit? Yeah, didn't really work...), what surprised me (more ideas, cleaning, yoga!), and two big decisions I finally made.

Jan 26, 2026

Coriander, Cleaning, and Nothing Important: A Fun Chat with Miku #305

tiers – 14 min read

インターネットで共有するまでもないけどハマっていること😂 Miku and I chat about our harmless obsessions like adding coriander to salads and getting into cleaning. Just a fun, casual talk about things too small to share… but too fun not to!

Jan 19, 2026

Why Is Making Japanese Friends So Hard? Real Talk with Miku #304

tiers – 23 min read

お悩み相談に乗ってみました（友情・インフレ）In this episode, we have a fun and honest chat with Miku, answering real questions from foreigners in Japan. We talk about friendship, cultural differences, and loneliness. Sharing kind, realistic advice while laughing and learning together!

Jan 12, 2026

If You Had a Little Superpower… Which Esper Would You Be? #303

tiers – 12 min read

ちょっとだけエスパー🙌 What if you had just a little bit of superpower? In this episode, I talk about a fun Japanese drama called Chotto Dake Esper and explore quirky abilities like warming things with your hands or talking to animals. Which one would you choose?

Jan 5, 2026

Kanazawa: Japan’s Hidden Kyoto? #302

tiers – 23 min read

金沢に行ってきました！（２回目）Discover Kanazawa✨Japan’s quieter Kyoto. From hidden temples and beautiful sweets to ninja traps and rainy days, this episode covers everything you need to know before visiting this charming city.

Dec 29, 2025

The Tonkatsu Spot Loved by Locals #301

tiers – 11 min read

常連さんがいっぱいのとんかつ屋さんの秘密を探りましょう〜🥰 Discover the charm of a local tonkatsu shop filled with regulars, friendly banter, and heartwarming hospitality. Learn 5 things that make this eatery so special and maybe think about your own favorite place too!

Dec 22, 2025