Learn Japanese from the News

Plastic pollution in the ocean has become a global environmental concern. Follow along as we listen to a news story in simplified Japanese about a new plastic developed by researchers at the University of Tokyo that is embedded with enzymes that cause it to naturally break down in water. We also consider the katakana loanword "purasuchikku" (plastic) and learn some related katakana words that are commonly used in everyday life.

All Episodes - Season 1

Episode 1

Age of Legal Adulthood to Be Lowered to 18 in April

Episode 2

People in Japan Donate 4 Billion Yen to Ukraine through Embassy

Episode 3

Sightseeing Route Reopens in Owakudani Hakone

Episode 4

Researchers Develop Plastic That Decomposes After Use

Episode 5

International Organization Formed to Fight Manga, Anime Piracy Sites

Episode 6

Frequent “Anomalous” Rainfall in Japan Caused by Rising Temperatures

Episode 7

Bystanders Use AED to Save Girl Who Suddenly Collapsed at Gym

Episode 8

Japan Tops Ranking of Tourism Destinations for First Time

Episode 9

More Convenience Stores Offering Prescription Medication Pickup Service

Episode 10

How to Prevent Heatstroke and Save Electricity on Air Conditioning

Episode 11

“Don't Drink and Drive” Applies to Electric Scooters

Episode 12

Japan Aims to Restore International Student Numbers to Pre-Pandemic Level

Episode 13

New Services Bring Overgrown Produce to Market

Episode 14

Earthquake Drill for International Residents Conducted in Plain Japanese

Episode 15

Number of People Aged 100 and Over in Japan Tops 90,000 for First Time

Episode 16

Japan Compiles Measures for Potential Dual Outbreak of COVID and Flu

Episode 17

Studies Underway to Reduce Salt While Maintaining Flavor

Episode 18

New Year's Greeting Cards Go on Sale in Japan

Episode 19

Using Cameras to Detect Human Presence and Eliminate Accidents at Railway Crossings

Episode 20

International Residents in Kagawa Experience the “Henro” Pilgrimage