Learn Japanese Pod
This is a podcast and website for studying Japanese. It offers lessons and resources for learners of the Japanese language.
Episodes
Fun Friday 31: Bear attacks in Japan
Welcome to the Fun Friday edition of the Learn Japanese Pod podcast — the show where we sit down with cool people doing cool things in Japan. In this episode, I talk with Wes Lang about the recent rise in bear encounters and attacks across Japan: the latest stats, what’s causing them, and what Japan is doing to prevent future incidents.
We also dive into Wes’s long experience as a master hiker. He
Podcast 61: Talking about Positive Emotions in Japanese
Welcome to another episode of Learn Japanese Pod!In this episode we talk about how to express positive emotions in Japanese. You’ll learn some vocabulary, grammar and also a little bit about Japanese culture and how people in Japan tend to display their emotions in public.
Premium members can access detailed show notes as well as extra podcast dialogues and audio drills. To find out more, vi
Podcast 61: Just the dialogues
The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 59 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access:
Learn Japanese Pod Patreon
Podcast 61: Notes
The show notes for this episode have moved to our new Patreon page. Learn Japanese Pod Patreon Page.
Fun Friday 30: Interview with Timothy Reid
Podcast Guest: Timothy Reid – From English Teacher to Award-Winning Musician and Game Industry Pro in Japan
This week on the podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome Timothy Reid, a multi-talented artist and creator whose journey to success in Japan is nothing short of inspiring.
Originally from North Yorkshire in the UK, Timothy moved to Japan in 2011 after graduating from the University of Leeds. Like m
Podcast 60: Talking about cleaning and household chores in Japanese
Welcome to another episode of Learn Japanese Pod! This time, we’re diving into a topic that’s more than just daily vocabulary—it’s a cultural deep dive into cleanliness, chores, and the Japanese mindset around keeping things tidy.
In this episode, Alex and Ami Sensei explore how to talk about household chores in natural, conversational Japanese. You’ll pick up useful words and ph
Podcast 60: Just the dialogues
The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 59 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access:
Learn Japanese Pod Patreon
Podcast 60: Notes
The show notes for this episode have moved to our new Patreon page. Learn Japanese Pod Patreon Page.
Fun Friday 29: Setting up a business in Japan
In this podcast, Alex and Andy talk about their experience setting up a company in Japan, why they did it and how!
In this episode of Learn Japanese Pod, Andy and I dive into the world of starting a small business in Japan. We share our personal journeys of setting up our own company , the lessons we learned, and the surprises we encountered along the way.
If you’re a foreigner living in Japan—or
Podcast 59: How to understand Japanese in Japanese
In this episode, you’ll learn how to understand Japanese vocabulary — using only Japanese. Specifically, we’ll focus on how to ask for the meaning of words in Japanese and try to understand the explanations you hear. Mastering this skill not only boosts your vocabulary but also deepens your understanding of how words are naturally used in context. And remember, this becomes an exponent
Podcast 59: Just the dialogues
The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 59 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access:
Learn Japanese Pod Patreon
Podcast 59: Notes
The show notes for this episode have moved to our new Patreon page. Learn Japanese Pod Patreon Page.
Fun Friday 28: The Sento Mindset with Katheryn Gronauer
In this Fun Friday edition of the Learn Japanese Pod podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Katheryn Gronauer, a Tokyo-based entrepreneur with a fascinating background. She shared incredible insights and stories, including her unique experience growing up in a family that managed sento—traditional Japanese public baths.
We talked about what it was like helping her family run the business
Podcast 58: Using a bank in Japan
In this podcast, we’ll dive into the process of opening a bank account in Japan, providing you with essential vocabulary and practical phrases that will help you confidently handle your finances. Not only will you learn how to navigate the specific steps of opening an account, but we’ll also cover useful language for managing money in various situations—whether you’re making a deposit, withdrawing
Podcast 58: Just the dialogues
The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 58 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access:
Learn Japanese Pod Patreon
Podcast 58: Notes
The show notes for this episode have moved to our new Patreon page. Learn Japanese Pod Patreon Page.
Podcast 57: Talking About Money in Japanese
In this podcast, we’re focusing on useful verbs and phrases related to using money, Japanese coins and banknotes. We also discuss the proper etiquette for handling money in Japan
Learn Japanese Pod Patreon Page
Podcast 57: Just the dialogues
The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 57 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access:
Learn Japanese Pod Patreon
Podcast 57: Notes
The show notes for this episode have moved to our new Patreon page. Learn Japanese Pod Patreon Page.
Fun Friday 27: How not to be an obnoxious tourist in Japan
In recent years, Japan has experienced a surge in tourism, with millions flocking to its stunning temples, bustling cities, and serene landscapes. However, this boom has also brought about a significant issue: overtourism. As more travelers visit, overcrowding and a minority of obnoxious tourists has become increasingly problematic, causing frustration and discomfort among the locals who call thes
Podcast 56: Dating in Japan
In this podcast, we focus on phrases related to dating in Japan. We’ll cover phrases to express your feelings about someone as well as describe your current and past relationship status. Finally, we talk about how dating culture in Japan differs from dating in the West.
Check out our Patreon page to get access to extra dialogues, audio drills and show notes.
Learn Japanese Pod Patreon Page
Podcast 56: Just the dialogues
The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 56 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access:
Learn Japanese Pod Patreon
Podcast 56: Notes
The show notes for this episode have moved to our new Patreon page. Learn Japanese Pod Patreon Page.
Podcast 55: Asking for confirmation in Japanese
In this podcast, we’re focusing on a crucial skill for mastering Japanese fluency and expanding your vocabulary which is confirming information.
When visiting Japan, it is likely you might mishear what is being said or you simply don’t understand the vocabulary being used. So, whether you’re confirming a restaurant reservation or seeking clarity in a conversation, this skill is indispensable for e
Podcast 55: Just the dialogues
The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 55 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access:
Podcast 54 Audio dialogue drills
Podcast 55: Notes
The show notes for this episode have moved to our new Patreon page.
Learn Japanese Pod Patreon
Podcast 54: Phrase that use 気 in Japanese
The topic for this lesson is the word 気 Ki.
気 has a lot of meanings depending on context. It up in has various meanings such as spirit, heart or mind. It can also mean mood or air. You probably already know the word 元気 Genki which means well. Another example would be 気分 Kibun which means feeling or mood. And there is also 気圧 Kiatsu which means atmospheric pressure.
However, in this lesson, we’re g
Podcast 54: Just the dialogues
The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 54 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access:
Podcast 54 Audio dialogue drills
Podcast 54: Notes
The show notes for this episode have moved to our new Patreon page.
Learn Japanese Pod Patreon
Podcast 53: Natural disasters in Japan
In today’s episode, we’re diving into a crucial topic that anyone living in or visiting Japan should know at least a little about, and that is to stay safe during a natural disaster. Japan is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, and is prone to various natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, heavy rain, and tsunami.
And as language learners, it’s good to not only mas
Podcast 53: Just the dialogues
The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 53 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access:
Learn Japanese Pod Patreon page
Podcast 53: Notes
The show notes to this episode have moved to our new Patreon page.
Learn Japanese Pod Patreon
Podcast 52: Dealing with a cold in Japan
In this lesson we’ll discuss how to deal with a cold which is pretty common during the winter months in Japan. We’ll look at how to describe symptoms and remedies for recovery.
Podcast 52: Just the dialogues
The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 52 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access:
Learn Japanese Pod Patreon page
Podcast 52: Notes
The show notes of podcast 52 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access:
Learn Japanese Pod Patreon page
Podcast 51: Ōsōji – Year end cleaning
In Japan, the tradition of “大掃除” (Ōsōji), meaning “big cleaning,” takes place at the end of the year. This cultural practice involves a thorough cleaning of homes, workplaces, and public spaces to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one with a fresh start. Families engage in deep cleaning, decluttering, and organizing to symbolize leaving behind the past
Podcast 51: Just the dialogues
The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 51 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access:
Learn Japanese Pod Patreon page
Podcast 51: Notes
The show notes of podcast 51 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access:
Learn Japanese Pod Patreon page
Fun Friday 26: 2023 Review with Andy
As the sun sets on 2023, I recently hung out with my good friend Andy on the Fun Friday edition of the podcast to review the highs and lows of the past year in Japan.
Enjoy!
Fun Friday 25: Interview with Peter Manthei, again!
It’s been a while but in this Fun Friday edition of the podcast I met up with my good friend and Japan enthusiast, Peter of Beards Brewery.
He’s just completed an epic two-month journey across Japan and in this episode I caught up with him to get a debriefing on his trip. We chatted about his adventures, using Japanese on the road, and recommendations on places to visit.
If you are pla
Podcast 50: How to refuse things in Japanese
In this lesson, you’ll learn how to refuse things in Japanese. This is an important skill to have, as you’ll often find yourself in situations where you need to say no to someone.
You’ll also learn how to refuse offers in Japanese appropriately in different situations using different levels of politeness. A word of warning. Not all the phrases in this lesson can be used in polite conversatio
Podcast 50: Just the dialogues
The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 50 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access:
Podcast 50 Japanese Audio Drill
Podcast 50: Notes
The show notes of podcast 50 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access:
Podcast 50 Show Notes
Fun Friday 24: Interview with Matthew Dons
In this podcast I interview Matthew Dons, a dear friend and long term resident of Japan. We talk about his experiences of doing a home stay when he first came to Japan. Matthew also gives his advice on the dos and don’ts of Japanese etiquette and culture to make your stay in Japan go more smoothly.
You can find out more about Matthew through the following link below:
MathewDons.com
For more
Fun Friday 23: Things to see in Kyoto with Ben
If you are interested in visiting Kyoto then this podcast is for you. In this Fun Friday edition of the podcast I interview my long suffering brother Ben about his work as a tourguide in Kyoto. We talk about what to visit, when to come, etiquette for tourists, food, history and more!
For more Japan themed podcasts visit Learn Japanese Pod
Podcast 49: How to disagree with people in Japanese
In this lesson we will teach you useful phrases for disagreeing with people and how to use them in different situations. Different phrases and inflections in your voice can be interpreted in many ways, from being vague to being very direct or even rude.
Compared to some cultures, Japanese people tend to be less confrontational and don’t always express their opinions clearly or directly. So i
Podcast 49: Just the dialogues
The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 48 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access:
Podcast 49 Japanese Audio Drill
Podcast 49: Notes
The show notes to our podcasts can now be accessed with Patreon Membership.
Podcast 49 notes
Podcast 48: Levels of certainty in Japanese
In this lesson Ami Sensei and I will teach you how to express different levels of certainty in Japanese. You’ll learn how to express the probability you think something will happen through various example sentences and dialogues.
In English we do this all the time with words such as “definitely”, “probably” and “might”. And of course, you can do that in Japanese too. However, spoken Japanese tends
Podcast 48: Just the dialogues
The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 48 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access:
Podcast 48 Japanese Audio Drill
Podcast 48: Notes
The show notes of podcast 48 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access:
Podcast 48 Show Notes
Podcast 47: Small Talk in Japanese
In this podcast, Ami Sensei and I talk about how to make small talk in Japanese. We talk about appropriate topics and ones to avoid. And we also teach you some useful vocabulary, phrases and grammar to make you sound more natural and fluent.
Please note we have opened a new Premium membership that provides even more Japanese fluency lessons and materials for serious students of Japanese.
Learn Jap
Podcast 47: Just the dialogues
The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 47 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access:
Podcast 47 Japanese Audio Drill
Podcast 47: Notes
The show notes of podcast 47 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access:
Podcast 47 Show Notes
Fun Friday 22: 2022 Review
In this Fun Friday edition of the podcast, Alex, A-Chan and Andy talk about the major events that shaped Japan in 2022.
For more Japan themed podcasts visit Learn Japanese Pod
Podcast 46: Darui (Shorts)
In this podcast you will learn what Darui means and how to use it naturally in conversation in Japanese.
This lesson includes the main podcast lesson, PDF show notes and an extra audio drill. You can find all of these resources by going to Learn Japanese Pod
Podcast 46: Just the dialogues (Shorts)
In this lesson, you will learn what Darui means. Check out the example sentences and dialogues to learn how these phrases are naturally used by native Japanese speakers in conversation.
Example 1:
怠い – Darui
I’m tired
Example 2:
天気が悪くて体がだるい – Tenki ga warukute karada ga darui
I’m so tired because of the weather.
Example 3:
今日めっちゃだるいよ – Kyō meccha darui
I’m super tired
Podcast 46: Notes (Shorts)
These are the PDF show notes for podcast #46 ” Darui”.
For more Japanese language learning podcasts, visit Learn Japanese Pod
Podcast 45: How to agree with people in Japanese
In this lesson you will learn how to agree with people in Japanese. Check out the example sentences and dialogues to learn how these phrases are naturally used by native Japanese speakers in conversation.
How to study
This lesson includes the main podcast lesson, PDF show notes and an extra audio drill. You can find all of these resources by going to Learn Japanese Pod
Podcast 45: Just the dialogues
In this lesson you will learn how to agree with people in Japanese. Check out the example sentences and dialogues to learn how these phrases are naturally used by native Japanese speakers in conversation.
Main Dialogue (Japanese)
A: 今日めっちゃ暑いよね。
B: だよね。
A: なんか、夏は好きだけど湿気が嫌い。
B: わかる、わかる。
A: 今年の夏は猛暑が続いたよね。
B: 本当だよね。
Main Dialogue (Pronunciation)
A: Kyō meccha atsui yo ne.
B: Da you ne.
A: Nanka, natsu
Podcast 45: Notes
These are the PDF show notes for podcast #45 ” How to agree with people in Japanese”.
For more Japanese language learning podcasts, visit Learn Japanese Pod
Podcast 44: What does “Hampa nai” mean? (Shorts)
In this podcast, Ami Alex tell you the meaning of 半端ない Hanpa nai and how to use it naturally in a conversation in Japanese.
For more Japanese language learning podcasts visit Learn Japanese Pod
Podcast 44: Just the dialogues (Shorts)
This post includes only Japanese dialogues and sentence examples from podcast #44 “Hanpa nai”.
This lesson focuses on the phrase 半端ないhampa nai which means something like amazing, epic or unbelievable.
Here are example sentences from the podcast:
Example 1:
半端ないよね – Hampa nai yo ne
That’s really awesome
Example 2:
あの人半端ないよね – Ano hito hampa nai yo ne
That person is really aw
Podcast 44: Notes (Shorts)
These are the PDF show notes for podcast #44 ” Hampa nai”.
For more Japanese language learning podcasts visit Learn Japanese pod
Podcast 43: Receiving compliments in Japanese
This lesson focuses on how to receive compliments in Japanese. We’ll teach you some useful phrases you can use to respond to people who say nice things to you. We’ll also discuss Japanese attitudes towards compliments, why they make them and what they really mean. Spoiler alert, the cultural mindset in Japan might be quite different from your own, so be mindful of the differences!
For more Japanes
Podcast 43: Just the dialogues
These are just the Japanese dialogues and example sentences taken from podcast #43 “Receiving compliments in Japanese”.
This lesson focuses on how to receive compliments in Japanese. We’ll teach you some useful phrases you can use to respond to people who say nice things to you. We’ll also discuss Japanese attitudes towards compliments, why they make them and what they really mean. Spo
Podcast 43: Notes
These are the show notes to podcast #43 “Receiving compliments in Japanese”.
For more Japanese podcasts visit: Learn Japanese Pod
Podcast 42: What does Toriaezu mean? (Shorts)
In this podcast, Ami Sensei and Alex teach you the meaning of とりあえず Toriaezu and how to use it naturally in Japanese conversation.
For more Japanese podcasts visit Learn Japanese Pod
Podcast 42: Just the dialogues (Shorts)
This lesson focuses on the word Toriaezu, what it means and how to use it naturally in conversation in Japanese.
What does Toriaezu mean?
とりあえず Toriaezu roughly translates as “for the time being” or “for now we’ll do so and so”. This is a useful phrase to use when you want to make a temporary decision before committing to a more substantial or permanent solution. This phrase is often used when you
Podcast 42: Notes (Shorts)
Here are the show notes for podcast 42, “What does Toriaezu mean?”.
For more podcasts visit Learn Japanese Pod
Fun Friday 21: Peter Manthei
In this Fun Friday edition of the podcast I interviewed my good friend and fellow student of Japanese Peter Manthei. We talked about various topics including the challenges of studying Japanese outside of Japan, Japanese versus American craft beer, useful methods to improve your Japanese as well as some great travel tips.
Peter runs a brewery in Michigan called Beards Brewery and you can find out
Podcast 41: Cheering someone up in Japanese
In this podcast, Ami and Alex teach you some useful phrases to cheer someone up in Japanese.
For more Japanese podcasts visit: Learn Japanese Pod
Podcast 41: Just the dialogs
These are the dialogues for podcast 41 “Cheering someone up in Japanese”.
In this podcast you will learn some useful phrases to cheer someone up in Japanese. Check out the dialogues below:
Main Dialog 1 – Cheering someone up (Japanese)
A: もういやだ。
B: どうしたの？
A: 仕事がうまくいってなくて。
B: 大丈夫だよ。元気出して。
A: ちょっと自信ないんだよね。
B: 君ならできるよ。頑張って！
Main Dialog 1 – Cheering someone up (Pronunciation)
A
Podcast 41: Notes
These are the PDF show notes for the Learn Japanese Pod podcast episode 41 “Cheering someone up in Japanese”.
For more podcasts check out Learn Japanese Pod
Fun Friday 20: Ben and A-Chan Interview
In this Fun Friday edition of the podcast, I sat down with Ben and A-Chan to talk about random things including green tea, ramen, life in Kyoto and more.
For more podcasts visit Learn Japanese Pod
Podcast 40: Daily Japanese Onomatopoeia
In this lesson you will learn all about Japanese onomatopoeia which are words that resemble sounds. Some examples in English are splash, bang, zap and beep and you will learn how similar words are used in daily Japanese conversation.
Listen to the podcast for dialogue examples as well as vocabulary and grammar explanations.
For more podcasts, visit Learn Japanese Pod
Podcast 40: Just the dialogues
In this lesson you will learn all about Japanese onomatopoeia which are words that resemble sounds. Some examples in English are splash, bang, zap and beep and you will learn how similar words are used in daily Japanese conversation. Check out the dialogue and grammar notes below.
Main Dialog 1 – Daily Japanese Onomatopoeia (Japanese)
A: ね、外見て、雨がザーザー降っているよ。
B: 雷もゴロゴロ鳴ってる。ハラハラする。
A: え?どうしたの?大
Podcast 40: Notes
These are the PDF show notes for the Learn Japanese Pod podcast episode 40 “Daily Japanese Onomatopoeia”.
For more podcasts check out Learn Japanese Pod
Fun Friday 19: Japanese Buzzwords of 2021
In this Fun Friday edition of the podcast, Andy and Alex sit down to talk about the Japanese buzzwords influenced by the major trends in Japan during 2021.
For more podcasts visit Learn Japanese Pod
Fun Friday 18: Our favorite Anime
In this Fun Friday edition of the podcast, Ami and I talk about some of our favorite Anime, the latest and most popular releases and some old classics that are famous in Japan but not so well known abroad.
We are certainly not Anime experts and we couldn’t properly cover all the major Anime even if we wanted to! We simply talk about the Anime we happen to know and love. Enjoy!
For more Japan
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