Mother
In this heartfelt reflection, Sachiko takes her aging mother on a family trip to an onsen. Told with a blend of tenderness and a frank realism, it takes up themes of love and acceptance. Written at a moderate difficulty level, we think you will find this story touching and meaningful. (12 episodes)
Episode 1
A woman and her mother visit an onsen together.
Notes: This episode contains a note on the pattern ～そうにする, a secondary meaning of the verb 滑る (すべる), and more.
| Editions | Status | Total Readers |  |
| With Sound Effects | Unread | 2618 | |
| Voice Only | Unread | 432 |
Episode 2
The narrator explains what the hot spring trip means to her mother.
Notes: This episode contains a note on several words related to bathing, one on a good-weather charm, and more.
| Editions | Status | Total Readers | |
| With Sound Effects | Unread | 855 | |
| Voice Only | Unread | 138 |
Pro
Episode 3
The narrator reflects on how things have changed.
Notes: This episode contains a note about もの to give a reason or justification, one on speech inversions, and more.
| Editions | Status | Total Readers | |
| With Sound Effects | Unread | 419 | |
| Voice Only | Unread | 58 |
Pro
Episode 4
Changes in the narrator's mother become apparent.
Notes: This episode contains a note on the expression Xと変わらない (かわらない), one on かと思う (おもう) と, and more.
| Editions | Status | Total Readers | |
| With Sound Effects | Unread | 267 | |
| Voice Only | Unread | 43 |
Pro
Episode 5
The narrator's mother recalls a scene with her own mother.
Notes: This episode contains a note on parents referring to themselves as "Mom" and "Dad," a note on "heated questions," and more.
| Editions | Status | Total Readers | |
| With Sound Effects | Unread | 237 | |
| Voice Only | Unread | 29 |
Pro
Episode 6
Dr. Hayashi explains what is and is not possible.
Notes: This episode contains a note on the expression 少し (すこし) でも, and one on the reason that に can be used with a verb in the potential form.
| Editions | Status | Total Readers | |
| With Sound Effects | Unread | 194 | |
| Voice Only | Unread | 28 |
Pro
Episode 7
The narrator takes steps to reassure her mother.
Notes: This episode contains a note on a word that means "to make up one's mind and make a momentous decision," one on a common word that can mean "to rush to someone's aid," and more.
| Editions | Status | Total Readers | |
| With Sound Effects | Unread | 180 | |
| Voice Only | Unread | 26 |
Pro
Episode 8
The narrator and her sister-in-law enjoy the hot spring with the mother.
Notes: This episode contains an important note on how to refer to in-laws, one on using で to refer to doing an action in a group, and more.
| Editions | Status | Total Readers | |
| With Sound Effects | Unread | 177 | |
| Voice Only | Unread | 24 |
Pro
Episode 9
The narrator reflects on her mother's change over time.
Notes: This episode contains a note on how to use the verb 手伝う (てつだう), one on an expression that means "to switch one's feelings," and more.
| Editions | Status | Total Readers | |
| With Sound Effects | Unread | 153 | |
| Voice Only | Unread | 24 |
Pro
Episode 10
The narrator remembers her mother's drive and intelligence.
Notes: This episode contains a note on a pattern that means "to do and show," one on an expression that means "to a certain degree," and more.
| Editions | Status | Total Readers | |
| With Sound Effects | Unread | 128 | |
| Voice Only | Unread | 18 |
Pro
Episode 11
The assembled family wishes their mother a happy birthday.
Notes: This episode contains a note on the special names for certain birthday such as one's 88th and 99th, a note on using the word つられる to refer to the way that a yawn or a smile can be contagious, and more.
| Editions | Status | Total Readers | |
| With Sound Effects | Unread | 101 | |
| Voice Only | Unread | 16 |
Pro
Episode 12
The narrator reflects on what is important in her life.
Notes: This episode contains a breakdown of a tricky sentence, one on a special use of the familiar word そう, and more.
| Editions | Status | Total Readers | |
| With Sound Effects | Unread | 87 | |
| Voice Only | Unread | 19 |