Learn Japanese from the News

The Ig Nobel Prize is awarded to unique research that inspires laughter as well as reflection. This year, a research team led by Japanese professor Takebe Takanori received the physiology prize for discovering that pigs and other animals have the ability to absorb oxygen through the rectum. This is the 18th year in a row that a Japanese national has won an award. We review the story and learn expressions related to "iki" (breath), such as "iki ga au" (be on the same wavelength).

All Episodes - Season 3

Episode 1

Japanese Firms Showcase New Tech at COP28

Episode 2

Dog Parade Marks 100 Years Since Birth of Hachiko

Episode 3

Quake Causes Ground Upheavals Along Noto Peninsula

Episode 4

Japan Plans to Open Day Care Centers to All Children

Episode 5

Test Ride Event Held for Hokuriku Shinkansen Extension

Episode 6

Lunar Probe Lands Within 100 Meters of Target

Episode 7

Japan Facing Shortage of Volunteer Firefighters

Episode 8

New AI-Powered System Helps Customers Find Lost Items

Episode 9

Many in Japan Eager to Help Quake-Hit Taiwan

Episode 10

Yamanashi to Charge Mt. Fuji Climbers ¥2,000 Toll

Episode 11

Historic Gifu Castle Recreated in the Metaverse

Episode 12

Firms Develop Mosquito Spray to Fight Dengue Fever

Episode 13

Saku City in Nagano Encouraging "Dual Residency"

Episode 14

Oppenheimer's Grandson Warns About Nuclear Weapons

Episode 15

Torrential Rain Causes Flooding at Subway Station

Episode 16

Abacus Math Contest Tests Speed and Accuracy

Episode 17

Shinjuku Ward Bans Public Drinking on Halloween

Episode 18

Ig Nobel Prize Goes to "Butt-Breathing" Study

Episode 19

Nihon Hidankyo Member Speaks to High School Students

Episode 20

New Year's "Lucky Bags" to Feature Food Staples