Coffee Break with Noriko - Real Talk & Daily Thoughts 7

About this episode

Noriko shares a relaxed January reflection on starting 2026 slowly, focusing on reading and consistency while exploring Japanese expressions related to detours and slowing down.

📌 ポッドキャスト理解のためのキーワード（10語） スロースタート ー すろーすたーと ー a slow start 調子が出る ー ちょうし が でる ー to get into a good rhythm / to feel back on track 積読 ー つんどく ー buying books and not reading them (book pile-up) 読書量 ー どくしょりょう ー the amount of reading one does 現実逃避 ー げんじつとうひ ー escape from reality 道草を食う ー みちくさ を くう ー to take a detour / to get sidetracked 寄り道 ー よりみち ー stopping somewhere on the way / a detour 急がば回れ ー いそがば まわれ ー more haste, less speed / slow down to go further 初心忘るべからず ー しょしん わするべからず ー never forget you are still learning / stay humble as a learner 仕組み ー しくみ ー a system or structure (that helps you continue)a system / structure (that helps you continue) Summary (English) In this episode, Noriko shares a relaxed January reflection. She talks about starting 2026 slowly, focusing on reading, writing, and consistency rather than rushing for results. She reflects on reducing her unread book pile, reading across multiple languages and formats, and finding comfort in books amid overwhelming news. Noriko also explores Japanese expressions like michikusa o kuu (taking detours) and isogaba maware (slow down to go further), linking them to language learning and life. The episode highlights the value of…

People in this episode

Host: Noriko

Topics covered

• reflection
• language learning
• reading habits
• Japanese expressions
• personal growth
• consistency

Keywords

• slow start
• reading
• Japanese expressions
• detours
• consistency
• personal growth
• book pile-up

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