Kanji&Coffee

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we explore the fascinating world of Japanese Yokai—mysterious creatures, spirits, and supernatural beings that have been part of Japan’s culture and folklore for centuries. From well-known figures like Kappa and Tengu to more obscure and bizarre legends, Amber introduces the stories, meanings, and cultural background behind these iconic beings and tells us if they are considered good or evil spirits.We talk about the origin of Yokai and how they evolved over time, and why they still appear in modern anime, games, and everyday conversations in Japan. You’ll also learn some useful Japanese words and expressions connected to the supernatural world.If you’ve ever been curious about the darker, stranger, and more playful side of Japanese culture, this episode will give you a deeper understanding of where these stories come from and why they still matter today.Grab a coffee and join us in our Japan Explained series!

Send us Fan MailThis is our unscripted conversation format where we chat naturally and switch between Japanese and English in real time. Whenever one of us speaks, we repeat the same idea in the other language and if we make mistakes, we correct each other on the spot.The goal?To help you train your ears through real, relaxed conversation.In this episode, we talk about AI.Put it on in the background, relax, and join us with a cup of coffee. ☕

Send us Fan MailThis is our unscripted conversation format where we chat naturally and switch between Japanese and English in real time. Whenever one of us speaks, we repeat the same idea in the other language and if we make mistakes, we correct each other on the spot.The goal?To help you train your ears through real, relaxed conversation.In this episode, we talk about Coffee.Put it on in the background, relax, and join us with a cup of coffee. ☕

Send us Fan MailThis is our new unscripted conversation format where we chat naturally and switch between Japanese and English in real time. Whenever one of us speaks, we repeat the same idea in the other language — and if we make mistakes, we correct each other on the spot.The goal?To help you train your ears through real, relaxed conversation.In this episode, we talk about our favorite tea.Put it on in the background, relax, and join us with a cup of coffee. ☕

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we take a deeper dive into what really makes Japanese sound natural and why foreigners often sound a little off. Amber breaks down the rhythm, pitch, and intonation patterns that native speakers use every day—things you won’t easily pick up from textbooks.We talk about how Japanese flows, why certain words feel “flat” or “musical,” and how small changes in pitch can completely change how you sound. If you’ve ever felt like your Japanese is correct but still doesn’t sound quite right, this episode will help you understand why.This is a more in-depth, culture-focused episode designed to give you a better feel for the language beyond vocabulary and grammar.Grab a coffee and join us in our Japan Explained series!

Send us Fan MailThis is our unscripted conversation format where we chat naturally and switch between Japanese and English in real time. Whenever one of us speaks, we repeat the same idea in the other language and if we make mistakes, we correct each other on the spot.The goal?To help you train your ears through real, relaxed conversation.In this episode, we talk about the Baki Manga and the famous Samurai Miyamoto Musashi.Put it on in the background, relax, and join us with a cup of coffee. ☕

Send us Fan MailThis is our new unscripted conversation format where we chat naturally and switch between Japanese and English in real time. Whenever one of us speaks, we repeat the same idea in the other language and if we make mistakes, we correct each other on the spot.The goal?To help you train your ears through real, relaxed conversation.In this episode, we talk about public transport in Japan and about how confusing train transfers can be, especially at Tokyo Station.Put it on in the background, relax, and join us with a cup of coffee. ☕

Send us Fan MailThis is our new unscripted conversation format where we chat naturally and switch between Japanese and English in real time. Whenever one of us speaks, we repeat the same idea in the other language — and if we make mistakes, we correct each other on the spot.The goal?To help you train your ears through real, relaxed conversation.In this episode, we talk about exercise, running and training frequency.Put it on in the background, relax, and join us with a cup of coffee. ☕

Send us Fan MailSpring is one of the most iconic seasons in Japan. In this episode, we explore the difference between sakura and plum blossoms, why hanami is such a big cultural event, and how pollen allergies affect so many people during this time of year. We also talk about Hina Matsuri and its meaning in Japanese culture.Whether you’re living in Japan or just dreaming of visiting, this episode will bring you a little closer to springtime here.Grab a coffee and join us as we welcome spring in Japan together.

Send us Fan MailThis is our new unscripted conversation format where we chat naturally and switch between Japanese and English in real time. Whenever one of us speaks, we repeat the same idea in the other language — and if we make mistakes, we correct each other on the spot.The goal? To help you train your ears through real, relaxed conversation.In this episode, we talk about cherry blossoms, traditional Japanese gardens, and manga from a famous author.Put it on in the background, relax, and join us with a cup of coffee. ☕This format will continue as our main series.

Send us Fan MailWhat exactly is wabi-sabi — and why is it so hard to explain?In this episode, we explore the Japanese idea of wabi-sabi and why it doesn’t translate neatly into English. We talk about beauty in imperfection, simplicity, aging, and quiet atmosphere — and why trying to “define” wabi-sabi almost misses the point.We also touch on expressions like 趣がある (omomuki ga aru) and how they connect to this subtle way of seeing beauty in everyday life.Amber shares how wabi-sabi feels in real life and even shows us some examples with everyday objects.Grab a coffee and join us for another relaxed deep dive into everyday Japanese language and culture.

Send us Fan MailWhen people think about respect in Japan, they usually think about keigo — polite and formal Japanese. But is respect really just about using the right grammar?In this episode, we talk about when to use keigo, when not to use it, and why using it too much can actually feel strange. We also explore how respect in Japan goes far beyond language — from how you listen and show interest, to how directly (or indirectly) you disagree.We discuss how conversations often avoid strong negative emotions or confrontation to keep things peaceful, and how this shapes everyday communication in schools, workplaces, and friendships.Amber shares what respectful behavior feels like naturally in Japan, while we compare it to Western communication styles and talk about the small social cues that make a big difference.Grab a coffee and join us for another relaxed deep dive into everyday Japanese language and culture.

Send us Fan MailValentine’s Day in Japan can feel completely backwards compared to Western countries — here, girls are usually the ones giving chocolate to boys. In this episode, we talk about why this tradition exists and how it shapes relationships, school life, and workplace culture.We explore the different types of chocolate like honmei choco (romantic chocolate), giri choco (obligation chocolate), and newer trends, and talk about the pressure students and coworkers sometimes feel during the holiday.Amber also shares some funny stories from the typical Valentine's experience in school and the strategic meta-game that comes with it!Grab a coffee and join us for another relaxed deep dive into everyday Japanese language and culture.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we talk about chopsticks in Japan and the little rules that surprise a lot of foreigners. From simple manners to big “don’ts” connected to funerals, we break down what’s polite, what feels awkward, and what people actually notice at the table.We chat about common mistakes, why sticking chopsticks into rice is a big no, how to cut food with chopsticks, and which habits Japanese people usually forgive foreigners for.Amber also shares some tips you can try when using chopsticks and which "don'ts" even Japanese people sometimes do.So grab a coffee and join us for another relaxed deep dive into everyday Japanese language and culture.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we talk about Japanese filler words — the little sounds and words people use when they’re thinking, reacting, or keeping a conversation flowing. You hear them all the time in real Japanese, but textbooks rarely explain them properly.We break down common fillers like etto, ano, long eeeeee sounds, and reactions like naruhodo, and explain when they’re used, what they really mean, and how they change the feeling of a conversation.Amber explains how these fillers sound in natural speech and what feels normal (or strange), while Kade compares them to English fillers like “uh,” “um,” and “I see.”Grab a coffee and join us for another relaxed deep dive into everyday Japanese language and culture.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we chat about Japanese food the way people actually eat it — from everyday breakfasts and lunch sets to what dinner usually looks like at home or when eating out.We talk about eating habits that surprise a lot of people, like why raw eggs are safe (and common!), how meals are structured, and the little restaurant details you’ll notice right away — free water, fast service, and how dining culture in Japan feels different from the West.Amber shares his typical daily food habits while we compare it with Western food culture and talk about food life in Japan, Bentos and Natto.Grab a coffee and join us for another relaxed deep dive into everyday Japanese language and culture.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we dive into the colorful world of Japanese onomatopoeias — words that describe sounds, textures, and even feelings in a way English often can’t. From smooth and light to rough and heavy, these expressions are everywhere in everyday Japanese.We break down the two main categories of onomatopoeias: feeling-based expressions and sound-based expressions, and explore how small changes — like switching か (ka) to が (ga) — can instantly make a word feel harsher, heavier, or more intense.Amber explains how these words are actually used in real conversations, while Kade tries to guess some of the English meanings.Grab a coffee and join us for another relaxed deep dive into everyday Japanese language and culture.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Kanji & Coffee, we talk about emotions in Japanese, focusing on everyday words like うれしい (ureshii), 怒る (okoru), and 悲しい (kanashii). We explore how these feelings are expressed in real conversations, how natives use Onomatopoeias, and how emotions are often communicated indirectly in Japanese.This episode is perfect for Japanese learners, Japanese listeners interested in English, and anyone curious about how emotions are talked about in daily life in Japan.Grab a coffee and join us for another relaxed deep dive into everyday Japanese language and culture.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we explore how New Year is celebrated in Japan and why it’s considered the most important holiday of the year.From hatsumōde to osechi and temple bells, we take a closer look at the customs that shape the Japanese New Year experience.If you’ve ever wondered how Japanese people welcome the new year, what traditions they follow, or how it differs from Western celebrations, this episode will give you a clear and cultural insight into it all.Grab a coffee and join us for a relaxed deep dive into everyday Japanese language and culture.

Send us Fan MailIn this special Christmas episode, we look at how Japan celebrates the holiday in a completely different way from the West. From romantic Christmas Eve dates and strawberry shortcake traditions to the famous KFC boom, we dive into why Christmas in Japan feels more like a celebration for couples than families, and how the holiday became what it is today.If you’ve ever wondered why Japan celebrates Christmas without Santa, stockings, or turkey dinners—this episode will clear it up.Grab a coffee, get cozy, and join us for a festive deep dive into Japanese culture, Christmas history, and holiday surprises.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we break down some of the most confusing parts of Japanese grammar: particles. From は (wa) vs. が (ga) to に (ni) vs. へ (he), we explain what each one really means, how they’re used in everyday conversation, and how choosing the right particle can change the nuance of a sentence. We even have a small quiz in the end where you can try to make sentences together with Kade!If you’ve ever wondered why Japanese needs so many particles, or which one you should use in different situations, this episode will make everything feel much simpler.Grab a coffee and join us for another relaxed deep dive into everyday Japanese language and culture.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we take a closer look at some of the most common greetings in Japanese. From konnichiwa and ohayō to mata ne, okaeri, and more, we explore what these expressions really mean, when to use them, and how their nuance changes depending on formality, relationship, and everyday context.If you’ve ever wondered how Japanese people choose the right greeting—or how to sound more natural when speaking—this episode will guide you through the essentials.Grab a coffee and join us for another relaxed deep dive into everyday Japanese language and culture.

Send us Fan MailIn our very first episode, we break down the many ways to say “I” and “you” in Japanese.From watashi, boku, and ore to anata, kimi, and omae, we explore what these pronouns really mean, when to use them, and how they can change depending on gender, personality, and social context.If you’ve ever wondered why Japanese has so many options, or which one you should use, this episode will clear it up. Grab a coffee and join us for a relaxed deep dive into everyday Japanese language and culture.