Finding Hope at the Polls: An Unexpected Encounter

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Fluent Fiction - Japanese

FluentFiction.org

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7 hours ago

Are you ready to supercharge your Japanese listening comprehension? Our podcast is the perfect tool for you.

Studies show that the key to mastering a second language is through repetition and active processing. That's why each episode of our podcast features a story in Japanese, followed by a sentence-by-sentence retelling that alternates between Japanese and English.

This approach not only allows you to fully understand and absorb the vocabulary and grammar but also provides a bilingual support to aid your listening comprehension.

But we don't stop there. Research in sociolinguistics highlights the importance of culture in language learning, which is why we provide a list of vocabulary words and a transcript of the audio to help you understand the cultural context of the story. And for your convenience, we also include a transcript of the audio to help you refer back to any parts you may have struggled with.

And our podcast is not just for language learners, it's also for travelers or people who want to connect with their roots. Are you planning a trip to Japan? Maybe you want to speak Japanese with your friends from Tokyo? Our podcast will give you the cultural and linguistic background to fully immerse in Japanese.

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Finding Hope at the Polls: An Unexpected Encounter

Fluent Fiction - Japanese

15 minutes

1 week ago

Finding Hope at the Polls: An Unexpected Encounter

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Finding Hope at the Polls: An Unexpected Encounter
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-11-01-07-38-20-ja

Story Transcript:

Ja: 秋の冷たい風が頬を撫でた。
En: The cold autumn wind brushed against Kenta's cheeks.

Ja: 建太（けんた）は投票所に向かって歩いていた。
En: He was walking towards the polling station.

Ja: 投票日はいつも特別な日だったが、なぜか今年はやる気を感じられなかった。
En: Voting day was always a special day, but for some reason, he didn't feel motivated this year.

Ja: 政治に失望してしまったからだ。
En: He had become disillusioned with politics.

Ja: 「投票しても何も変わらないだろう」と考えていた。
En: He thought, "Nothing will change even if I vote."

Ja: 建太は長い行列に並んだ。
En: Kenta stood in the long line.

Ja: 投票所は多くの人で賑わい、ザワザワとした足音と静かな話し声が響いていた。
En: The polling station was bustling with people, filled with the sound of murmuring footsteps and quiet voices.

Ja: 外には秋の葉が落ちており、色とりどりの美しさを見せていた。
En: Outside, autumn leaves had fallen, displaying a beautiful array of colors.

Ja: 建太はそんな風景を少し眺めて、ため息をついた。
En: Kenta took a moment to gaze at the scene and sighed.

Ja: 前に立っていたのは由美（ゆみ）だった。
En: In front of him stood Yumi.

Ja: 彼女は社会活動に情熱を注ぐボランティアだった。
En: She was a volunteer passionate about social activism.

Ja: 行列に並びながら、彼女は誰かと話す機会を探していた。
En: While waiting in line, she looked for a chance to talk to someone.

Ja: そして、後ろを振り返り、建太に笑顔で話しかけた。
En: Then she turned around and smiled at Kenta, engaging him in conversation.

Ja: 「こんにちは。投票日、大事ですよね？」と由美は言った。
En: "Hello. Voting day is important, isn't it?" said Yumi.

Ja: 建太は少したじろぎながら答えた。「そうですね。でも、正直言って、あまり期待してないんです。」
En: Feeling a bit sheepish, Kenta replied, "Yes, it is. But to be honest, I don't have much hope."

Ja: 由美は驚いた表情を見せた。「どうしてですか？」
En: Yumi showed a look of surprise. "Why is that?"

Ja: 「投票しても変わらないと思うんです。政治はもう十分に疲れた」と建太は素直に言った。
En: "I just don't think voting will change anything. I'm exhausted by politics," Kenta admitted frankly.

Ja: 由美は微笑んで言った。「私は変わると思いますよ。誰かが声を上げれば、少しずつでも変わるんです。」
En: With a smile, Yumi said, "I believe it can change. If someone raises their voice, even a little can change."

Ja: 建太は興味を持ち始めた。「そんなに強く信じる理由があるんですか？」
En: Kenta began to take interest. "Do you have a reason to believe that so strongly?"

Ja: 由美は頷いた。「はい。私も最初はそう思っていました。でも、実際に変わっているところを見たら、希望が湧きました。」
En: Yumi nodded. "Yes. I used to think the same way. But when I actually saw things change, it gave me hope."

Ja: 彼らはしばらくの間、政治や社会問題について話し合った。
En: They discussed politics and social issues for a while.

Ja: 由美の情熱に触れ、建太の心に少しずつ希望が芽生えてきた。
En: Inspired by Yumi's passion, hope slowly began to grow in Kenta's heart.

Ja: 最終的に投票を終えたとき、建太は由美に尋ねた。「あなたのような考え方ができるのは素敵ですね。もっと話したいです。」
En: When they finally finished voting, Kenta asked Yumi, "It's wonderful to have a perspective like yours. I'd like to talk more."

Ja: 由美は笑顔で答えた。「ぜひ。これがきっかけで、もっと多くのことを知ってほしいです。」
En: Yumi replied with a smile, "I'd love that. I hope this will be an opportunity for you to learn more."

Ja: 彼らは連絡先を交換した。
En: They exchanged contact information.

Ja: 建太は投票所を出たとき、心が軽くなったように感じた。
En: As Kenta left the polling station, he felt as if a weight had been lifted from his heart.

Ja: 秋の葉が風に舞う中、自分自身も少し変わった気がした。
En: As the autumn leaves danced in the wind, he felt like he had changed a little too.

Ja: 「誰かが声を上げれば、少しずつでも変わるんだ」と、建太は小さく呟いた。
En: "If someone raises their voice, even a little can change," Kenta muttered quietly.

Ja: 彼は希望とともに帰路に着いた。
En: He headed home, carrying a sense of hope...