Looking for great Japanese podcasts?
Why waste any more time wading through low-quality, amateur work?
We’ve already tracked down the best and brightest Japanese language learning podcasts available today!
In this post, we’re going to go through some of the best Japanese podcasts for language learners out there. Plus, at the end, we’ve got a bonus section for you on how to reach Japanese fluency faster.
Spoiler alert: it has to do with FluentU’s great collection of authentic Japanese content.
Want to learn Japanese with movie trailers?
Try Japanese immersion online with FluentU!
Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)
The title says it all. This fabulous learning resource features a different fun news topic every week which is read out in slow, clear and precise Japanese. Every syllable can be easily heard. This is a wonderful way to hone your listening and comprehension skills. If you are feeling adventurous and want to stretch yourself a little, you can listen to a faster version of each slow news story. The audio is accompanied by popup translations and readings of the kanji.
Among the site’s eclectic mix of topic categories are movies, manga, good news, culture, humor, internet and sports. Many of the posts also feature a video of the topic under discussion.
“Learn Japanese Pod” is a good choice for the beginner who needs to master useful Japanese phrases and vocabulary. The shows are hosted by Alex who created the website to improve his own language skills, and Asuka, a native of Japan who speaks several languages. The typical show format features a handful of short conversations between the pair, conducted in Japanese. They are designed to illustrate how certain words and phrases are used.
Each conversation is then dissected in English to give the listener a thorough understanding of what is taking place. This is backed up by an array of supporting materials including transcripts of the conversations in Japanese and English. Alex and Asuka are a good double act who spark off each other, and their tone is friendly and engaging with an occasional splattering of humor. To date, there are more than 100 podcasts on the site, plenty to sink your teeth into!
Sometimes, great things come in small packages. “Bitesize Japanese” lives up to that maxim with a comprehensive series of very short podcast lessons. On average, each one lasts for about 10 seconds. They cover a wealth of topics including Japanese numbers, Japanese basics, communication skills, dating, health, and food and restaurants. The podcasts are accompanied by transcripts in English and romaji. What makes “Bitesize Japanese” so good is that the podcasts cover a lot of ground very quickly. There are no fillers or padding out the lessons just to make up the air time.
Whenever you have some idle moments in your day, such as in a supermarket queue, the doctor’s surgery or at a bus stop, strap on your headphones and dive in for a quick lesson. If you can listen to a few a day you’ll soon fill your knowledge banks with a lot of Japanese.
This is an excellent way to learn Japanese online. Lingq’s podcasts cover a range of formats such as interviews, features, audiobook excerpts, although most of the lessons are conversations in real Japanese. They feature numerous topics of everyday interests including current affairs, education and food and drink. Each podcast comes with a transcript, but they are only available after you have signed up for a free account with Lingq. The podcast series is aimed at the intermediate level Japanese language lear.ner, but advanced beginners not frightened of a challenge may benefit from tuning in.
If you are a Japanese language learning beginner, The Japanese Page is designed squarely for you. Its aim is to get you away from text book Japanese and speaking real, everyday conversations. The mini podcast lessons are conducted in English and feature short conversations in Japanese, which are then explained in English. The lessons conclude with a quick recap. Although each podcast is self-contained and can be listened to in isolation, they build on each other. Each one starts with a précis of what was covered in the previous lesson. English and Japanese texts of key phrases and conversation accompany each podcast.
“JapanesePod101.com” is quite simply one of the best podcast series out there for learning Japanese. It has a superlative library of material for the beginner, intermediate and advanced language learner. In addition to the audio lessons, there are plenty of video tutorials too. The presentation is clear and crisp throughout, with ample opportunity for the student to repeat what they’ve just heard.
One of the many plus points of “JapanesePod101.com” is that the pronunciation is so clear and distinct, allowing for every syllable to be heard. Peter is the host who guides a clear path through each lesson which features native Japanese speakers. As well as language and conversation essentials, they throw in occasional tidbits of Japanese lifestyle which helps to keep the lessons interesting. The format is of an interview session, but in truth the pace is so snappy that it feels like you are listening into a conversation. Among the topics featured are Japanese for everyday life and survival phrases.
Part of what makes “NHK World” an attractive option for the beginner is the simplicity of the structure of its podcast audio lessons. Two hosts take the reader through various scenarios over the course of a ten-minute lesson. Each podcast is conducted in English intermixed with Japanese words and phrases and how they are used in different situations. They also feature scenarios played out by native Japanese speakers. The moderate pace of the Japanese is fairly easy to comprehend. But no worries if you miss what was said as the friendly hosts repeat conversations, exploring them in a little more detail. There is a strong focus on pronunciation and grammar.
The podcasts also include interactive elements to check your understanding of the Japanese. There are 50 lessons in all and among the featured topics are how to ask for things, ordering in a restaurant and words associated with disaster situations. Text versions of the lessons are available in PDF format.
Are you ready for this? “Japanese Listening” is for the advanced language learner. What you will hear on the podcasts are Japanese natives talking at natural speed, using colloquialisms and the language you will hear on the street. If you are at this level but not currently residing or staying in a Japanese-speaking country, then daily bursts of the podcast will keep your language skills alive. If you find any parts of the conversations difficult, there are downloadable transcripts in Japanese with English translations.
If you are travelling to Japan for a vacation or business trip and don’t have a clue about the language, “Survival Phrases” can help. It is like your Japanese language learning SOS with podcasts that cover the essentials, such as how to say “you’re welcome” and how to say “thank you.” As the website says, a little Japanese learning can go a long way, and you will impress your hosts by at least making some effort to communicate with them in their own language.
The podcasts are an entertaining listen, largely due to the up-tempo, friendly style of the host and the clear and expert tuition.
The interesting topics, diversity of difficulty levels, rich vocabulary and authentic speaking styles make Japanese podcasts an awesome tool for Japanese language learning. Start at your level and steadily work your way up. Before you know it, you’ll be listening to full-on native Japanese audio! The sooner you start listening to these podcasts, the sooner you can get yourself on the fast track to Japanese fluency.
That can be an intimidating step to take.
FluentU has your back.
Not only will you find grammar lessons and YouTube language learning videos here, you’ll also find authentic Japanese videos that natives actually watch on the daily.
FluentU takes these real-world videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.
It’s all broken down into six Japanese proficiency levels, so you can rest assured that your chosen content will be within your reach.
And even better (if you can imagine that) is the FluentU App is now available for iPhone. It’s also still accessible as awebsite that you can use with your computer or tablet, and if you’re an Android user, fear not—our Android app is currently in the works!
All in all, between your podcasts and FluentU content, you’re sure to find yourself accelerating towards Japanese fluency faster than ever.
Now put the pedal to the metal!
http://www.fluentu.com/japanese/blog/learn-japanese-language-podcasts/
Why waste any more time wading through low-quality, amateur work?
We’ve already tracked down the best and brightest Japanese language learning podcasts available today!
The Benefits of Listening to Japanese Podcasts
- They are created by people who are passionate about language learning and committed to giving you the resources and imaginative lessons you need.
- Hands down, spending time with podcasts is one of the best ways of improving your listening skills – this is something that books and flashcards cannot deliver.
- You can listen to them any time, any place and anywhere – on the long commute home, while you’re jogging around the park or soaping up in the shower. They can even be playing in your ears as you go to sleep at night!
In this post, we’re going to go through some of the best Japanese podcasts for language learners out there. Plus, at the end, we’ve got a bonus section for you on how to reach Japanese fluency faster.
Spoiler alert: it has to do with FluentU’s great collection of authentic Japanese content.
Want to learn Japanese with movie trailers?
Try Japanese immersion online with FluentU!
Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)
9 Awesome Japanese Podcasts for Accelerating Your Learning
News in Slow Japanese
The title says it all. This fabulous learning resource features a different fun news topic every week which is read out in slow, clear and precise Japanese. Every syllable can be easily heard. This is a wonderful way to hone your listening and comprehension skills. If you are feeling adventurous and want to stretch yourself a little, you can listen to a faster version of each slow news story. The audio is accompanied by popup translations and readings of the kanji.
Among the site’s eclectic mix of topic categories are movies, manga, good news, culture, humor, internet and sports. Many of the posts also feature a video of the topic under discussion.
Learn Japanese Pod
“Learn Japanese Pod” is a good choice for the beginner who needs to master useful Japanese phrases and vocabulary. The shows are hosted by Alex who created the website to improve his own language skills, and Asuka, a native of Japan who speaks several languages. The typical show format features a handful of short conversations between the pair, conducted in Japanese. They are designed to illustrate how certain words and phrases are used.
Each conversation is then dissected in English to give the listener a thorough understanding of what is taking place. This is backed up by an array of supporting materials including transcripts of the conversations in Japanese and English. Alex and Asuka are a good double act who spark off each other, and their tone is friendly and engaging with an occasional splattering of humor. To date, there are more than 100 podcasts on the site, plenty to sink your teeth into!
Bitesize Japanese
Sometimes, great things come in small packages. “Bitesize Japanese” lives up to that maxim with a comprehensive series of very short podcast lessons. On average, each one lasts for about 10 seconds. They cover a wealth of topics including Japanese numbers, Japanese basics, communication skills, dating, health, and food and restaurants. The podcasts are accompanied by transcripts in English and romaji. What makes “Bitesize Japanese” so good is that the podcasts cover a lot of ground very quickly. There are no fillers or padding out the lessons just to make up the air time.
Whenever you have some idle moments in your day, such as in a supermarket queue, the doctor’s surgery or at a bus stop, strap on your headphones and dive in for a quick lesson. If you can listen to a few a day you’ll soon fill your knowledge banks with a lot of Japanese.
Japanese Lingq
This is an excellent way to learn Japanese online. Lingq’s podcasts cover a range of formats such as interviews, features, audiobook excerpts, although most of the lessons are conversations in real Japanese. They feature numerous topics of everyday interests including current affairs, education and food and drink. Each podcast comes with a transcript, but they are only available after you have signed up for a free account with Lingq. The podcast series is aimed at the intermediate level Japanese language lear.ner, but advanced beginners not frightened of a challenge may benefit from tuning in.
The Japanese Page
If you are a Japanese language learning beginner, The Japanese Page is designed squarely for you. Its aim is to get you away from text book Japanese and speaking real, everyday conversations. The mini podcast lessons are conducted in English and feature short conversations in Japanese, which are then explained in English. The lessons conclude with a quick recap. Although each podcast is self-contained and can be listened to in isolation, they build on each other. Each one starts with a précis of what was covered in the previous lesson. English and Japanese texts of key phrases and conversation accompany each podcast.
Learn Japanese – JapanesePod101.com
“JapanesePod101.com” is quite simply one of the best podcast series out there for learning Japanese. It has a superlative library of material for the beginner, intermediate and advanced language learner. In addition to the audio lessons, there are plenty of video tutorials too. The presentation is clear and crisp throughout, with ample opportunity for the student to repeat what they’ve just heard.
One of the many plus points of “JapanesePod101.com” is that the pronunciation is so clear and distinct, allowing for every syllable to be heard. Peter is the host who guides a clear path through each lesson which features native Japanese speakers. As well as language and conversation essentials, they throw in occasional tidbits of Japanese lifestyle which helps to keep the lessons interesting. The format is of an interview session, but in truth the pace is so snappy that it feels like you are listening into a conversation. Among the topics featured are Japanese for everyday life and survival phrases.
NHK World
Part of what makes “NHK World” an attractive option for the beginner is the simplicity of the structure of its podcast audio lessons. Two hosts take the reader through various scenarios over the course of a ten-minute lesson. Each podcast is conducted in English intermixed with Japanese words and phrases and how they are used in different situations. They also feature scenarios played out by native Japanese speakers. The moderate pace of the Japanese is fairly easy to comprehend. But no worries if you miss what was said as the friendly hosts repeat conversations, exploring them in a little more detail. There is a strong focus on pronunciation and grammar.
The podcasts also include interactive elements to check your understanding of the Japanese. There are 50 lessons in all and among the featured topics are how to ask for things, ordering in a restaurant and words associated with disaster situations. Text versions of the lessons are available in PDF format.
Japanese Listening
Are you ready for this? “Japanese Listening” is for the advanced language learner. What you will hear on the podcasts are Japanese natives talking at natural speed, using colloquialisms and the language you will hear on the street. If you are at this level but not currently residing or staying in a Japanese-speaking country, then daily bursts of the podcast will keep your language skills alive. If you find any parts of the conversations difficult, there are downloadable transcripts in Japanese with English translations.
Survival Phrases
If you are travelling to Japan for a vacation or business trip and don’t have a clue about the language, “Survival Phrases” can help. It is like your Japanese language learning SOS with podcasts that cover the essentials, such as how to say “you’re welcome” and how to say “thank you.” As the website says, a little Japanese learning can go a long way, and you will impress your hosts by at least making some effort to communicate with them in their own language.
The podcasts are an entertaining listen, largely due to the up-tempo, friendly style of the host and the clear and expert tuition.
The interesting topics, diversity of difficulty levels, rich vocabulary and authentic speaking styles make Japanese podcasts an awesome tool for Japanese language learning. Start at your level and steadily work your way up. Before you know it, you’ll be listening to full-on native Japanese audio! The sooner you start listening to these podcasts, the sooner you can get yourself on the fast track to Japanese fluency.
Bonus: How to Learn Japanese with Authentic Resources
Ready to kick things up a notch and get into authentic Japanese resources, made by native speakers for native speakers?That can be an intimidating step to take.
FluentU has your back.
Not only will you find grammar lessons and YouTube language learning videos here, you’ll also find authentic Japanese videos that natives actually watch on the daily.
FluentU takes these real-world videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.
It’s all broken down into six Japanese proficiency levels, so you can rest assured that your chosen content will be within your reach.
FluentU makes these native Japanese videos approachable through interactive transcripts. Read along while you watch!
Simply tap on any subtitled word to look it up instantly. All definitions have multiple examples written for Japanese learners like you. Tap “add” to save a word to your vocab list for later review.
The most exciting part is perhaps the learn mode. Vocabulary lists and tailor-made flashcard decks will help you learn actively while watching your favorite videos. The flashcards are truly unique, integrating a multimedia mix of materials for the ultimate in-context learning experience.
The best part? FluentU keeps track of your progress and suggests content based on the lessons you’ve already mastered.You’ll have a 100% personalized experience.
And even better (if you can imagine that) is the FluentU App is now available for iPhone. It’s also still accessible as awebsite that you can use with your computer or tablet, and if you’re an Android user, fear not—our Android app is currently in the works!
All in all, between your podcasts and FluentU content, you’re sure to find yourself accelerating towards Japanese fluency faster than ever.
Now put the pedal to the metal!
http://www.fluentu.com/japanese/blog/learn-japanese-language-podcasts/