Learning Japanese Through Pop Culture (Idols, Ice Cream & Dreams)

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 3 of Nihongo to English (No Show), Michelle and Michael chase the kind of everyday Japanese that textbooks forget—like how to talk about paying utilities (コーネツヒ)—and somehow end up building a whole philosophy around ice cream, idols, and enlightenment.We look back at the early days of learning Japanese before Google Translate, when tiny paper dictionaries were basically pocket-sized lifelines (and accidental fashion accessories). From there, the conversation swerves into money and language: exchange rates (為替レート), Niigata senbei that “age like whiskey,” and the oddly specific mystery of 十八年もの (aged 18 years).Then we hit peak chaos: the viral アイスクリーム (aisukurīmu) idol song—and a surprisingly helpful mini-lesson on comparisons like より vs. よりも / よりも. Finally, we zoom out into “Japanese-style” humility and what enlightenment might sound like if Buddha had to answer a compliment in Japan (“いやいや…そんなことないです…”).It’s bilingual banter, cultural comedy, and practical language discovery—served with sprinkles of self-awareness.Japanese words featuredコーネツヒ — utilities為替レート — exchange rate十八年もの — aged 18 yearsより / よりも — comparisons (“more than”)アイドル / アンチアイドル — idol / anti-idolListener homeworkWhat’s your favorite ice cream flavor—and what would your “idol self” say when fans shout 何が好き!? (nani ga suki!?) 🍨Email: [email protected] Theme Jingle by Michelle MaliZakiSupport the show🎙️ Nihongo to English — a bilingual comedy podcast by Michelle MaliZaki and Michael Allen (GoatVsFish).No homework. Just bilingual chaos—and somehow you learn.💌 Got a language or culture question? Email us at [email protected]📱 Follow us on Instagram @NihongoToEnglishPodcast for new episodes on the 2nd, 12th, and 22nd of each month.