Learn Japanese Pod

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 was the first American to complete the Hyakumeizan, and he shares practical advice on how to prepare for the unlikely event of meeting a bear on the trail — including what to do, what not to do, and some useful bear-related vocabulary in Japanese. I learned a lot from this interview with Wes, and I now feel slightly more prepared to go hiking — and hopefully avoid any battles with bears! Wes is the creator of hikinginjapan.com, an authoritative resource with detailed information on hundreds of hikes and mountains across Japan. If you love hiking, Japanese nature, or just a good story, you won’t want to miss this one.

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, visit out Patreon page here: Learn Japanese Pod Premium Membership. For more information about the podcast, visit the main site here: Learn Japanese Pod

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 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 many foreigners, he started out teaching English just to get by — but everything changed in 2014 when he won a national guitar contest. That moment launched him straight into the Japanese music industry. Since then, he’s done it all: from touring and recording as a professional guitarist, to demoing gear in-store, teaching at music schools, and more recently, breaking into Japan’s video game industry, contributing to both big-name AAA titles and indie games. In this episode, we talk about learning Japanese, breaking into the music and gaming industries, and what it really takes to build a life and career in Japan. If you’re interested in living in Japan, pursuing a creative career here, or just want to hear an honest, fascinating story about surviving and thriving abroad, you won’t want to miss this conversation. If you’ve ever dreamed of building a successful creative career in Japan, this is an unmissable episode packed with insight, inspiration, and hard-won lessons. Click on the links below for Timothy’s home page and social media account: Timothy Reid Official Website Timothy Reid Instagram For more Japanese language learning podcasts and interviews with people doing cool stuff in Japan, visit: Learn Japanese Pod

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 phrases for cleaning, washing, tidying up, and more—perfect for everyday situations in Japan. But that’s just the start. We also go beyond the grammar and vocab to look at why cleanliness is so important in Japanese culture. From kids cleaning their classrooms to monks scrubbing temple floors, you’ll learn how these everyday actions reflect deeper values like discipline, respect, and mindfulness—ideas that shape how people live, speak, and interact in Japan. We also compare the Japanese approach to cleanliness with Western attitudes and explore how understanding these cultural differences can help you become not just linguistically fluent, but culturally fluent too. So if you’ve ever wondered what chores can teach you about Japan—and want to sound more natural when talking about them—this is the episode for you! Enjoy!

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

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 planning to move here—and you’ve ever thought about launching your own business, this episode is packed with useful insights and real talk. What We Talked About in This Episode Here are some of the main topics we covered: Why we decided to set up a company in Japan Our motivations, goals, and what pushed us to take the leap from freelance to incorporating. Types of companies you can register in Japan We break down common structures like the Godo Kaisha (GK) and Kabushiki Kaisha (KK), and why we chose what we did. Legal and financial help – Do you need a lawyer or tax accountant? How we found help with paperwork, taxes, and navigating the legal landscape. The process of registering a company in Japan From choosing a company name to getting all the documents stamped, we share what was smooth—and what wasn’t. Hanko culture and paperwork What it was like getting our hankos (personal/company seals) made and how they’re used for official documents. Registering your company name Tips and gotchas when reserving a name, and how we made sure ours passed. Our overall experience – Was it easy or hard? We compare notes on how bureaucratic (or not) the process was, and how long it took. Listen to the Episode Click here to listen now or find it on your favorite podcast platform. Key Takeaways Preparation is key – Research and planning go a long way in making the process smoother. Get help – Hiring a bilingual tax accountant or lawyer can save you time and stress. Japan’s system is unique – Cultural and legal differences (like using hankos) can be surprising, but manageable with guidance. It’s possible! – Setting up a company in Japan as a foreigner is very doable with the right support and mindset. For more podcasts on learning the Japanese language and discovering more about the culture of Japan, click here!

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 exponential process – the more words you learn, the more words you can learn. It’s an extremely effective way to improve fluency. Admittedly, this can be a challenging skill to develop, especially for beginners who may not yet have enough vocabulary to follow explanations in Japanese. However, it’s an incredibly valuable skill to work on at any level. Over time, it will greatly improve your ability to use and understand Japanese more like a native speaker.

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

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 and how those early experiences shaped her approach to leadership and personal developmenttoday. Katheryn has since taken that knowledge and applied it to her coaching practice, The Sento Mindset, which focuses on rethinking life with honesty and courage to achieve your goals and achieve success. Beyond that, we discussed life in Tokyo, and plenty of other thought-provoking topics. It was a fantastic conversation, and I can’t wait for you to hear it!  

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 cash, transferring funds, or even discussing your account with bank staff. These are practical skills that go beyond the basics covered in many textbooks, ensuring you’re better equipped to manage your money in Japan. We’ll also explore the cultural context surrounding Japanese banks, shedding light on unique practices and expectations so you can better understand how the system works and avoid potential confusion. By the end of the episode, you’ll be prepared with both the language skills and cultural insights to handle a wide range of financial interactions with ease. To get access to extra premium content including podcasts, audio drills and pdf show notes, visit out Patreon page here.

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

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

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

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 these beautiful places home. Overtourism in Japan is fueled by various factors, including the cheap yen, the boom in post pandemic travel and lack of local planning and infrastructure adequate for the volume of tourists. While the causes are complex and multifaceted, each visitor has the power to make a difference. By being mindful and respectful, you can contribute positively to your experience and the well-being of the local communities. In this episode, we dive into the do’s and don’ts of tourism etiquette in Japan. From cultural sensitivities to practical tips, we’ll guide you on how to enjoy your trip without becoming an unwelcome guest. Tune in to learn how to be a considerate traveler and ensure your visit leaves a positive impact.

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

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

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 effective communication and deepening your grasp of Japanese. And the good news is, you only need to learn a couple of phrases to be able to confirm information in Japanese. So, check out the dialogues and vocabulary in this podcast to get a better understanding of this topic. Check out our Patreon page to get access to extra dialogues, audio drills and show notes. Learn Japanese Pod Patreon Page  

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

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 going to focus more on how 気 is used in conversational phrases related to thinking, your mind and your attitude. So, if you can remember at least a few of these phrases, your spoken Japanese will definitely sound more natural and fluent. Check out the podcasts, show notes and extra audio drill to learn more. Patreon: Podcast 54: Phrase that use 気 in Japanese

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

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 master everyday conversational Japanese but also understand the language used in various emergency situations. So, today we’ll look at some basic vocabulary related to natural disasters and phrases related to disaster preparedness.

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

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.

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

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 and preparing for a clean slate in the coming year. It is a shared activity that fosters a sense of renewal and harmony within the family, work colleagues and community.

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

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!      

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 planing a visit to Japan, definietly check out this podcast as Peter gives some great advice on planning and enjoying your trip to the fullest. When Peter isn’t jet setting around the globe, you can usaully find him studying Japanese and brewing some seriously delicious ninja level beer in beautiful northern Michigan at Beards Brewery.  

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 conversation so be careful! For our premium members you can download an extra premium podcast that goes into more detail on this topic, Japanese audio drills and PDF show notes. Visit our Patreon page for more information here. 

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

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 podcasts and information on our Japanese language learning courses go to Learn Japanese Pod  

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

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 if you disagree with someone in Japanese, try to err on the side of being polite and less direct. With this in mind, check out the podcast to get an idea of how to use these phrases naturally in conversation. Want access to the show notes and extra audio drills? Join our Premium Patreon membership.

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

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 to be less direct and uses more tentative language. And that means there are a lot of ways to say you think something may or might happen. Check out the podcast to hear example sentences and natural dialogues to help you learn how to express yourself more fluently in Japanese. Join our Patreon Page to get access to PDF show notes, extra audio drills and more! Click here to get access to the Learn Japanese Pod Patreon Membership 

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

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 Japanese language learning podcasts visit Learn Japanese Pod

In this podcast Ami Sensei and Alex teach you useful phrases for calling an ambulance and talking to emergency services during a medical emergency. For more Japanese language learning podcasts, visit Learn Japanese Pod

In this lesson you will learn how to call for an ambulance during a medical emergency. You’ll also learn related phrases for describing people’s physical condition including injuries and illness. Main Dialog 1 – Calling an ambulance (Japanese) A: 119番の消防ですが 火事ですか、救急ですか? B: 救急です。 A: 救急ですね。住所を教えてください。 B: 東京都渋谷区渋谷1丁目12-13。郵便局の前です。 A: 怪我ですか病気ですか B: 病気です。人が倒れています。 A: わかりました。あと5分ほどで救急車が到着します。 Main Dialog 1 – Calling an ambulance (Pronunciation) A: Hyaku juu kyuu ban no shōbō desu ga, kaji desu ka, kyuukyuu desu ka? B: Kyuukyuu desu. A: Kyuukyuu desu ne. Juusho o oshiete kudasai. B: Tōkyō to, Shibuya Ku, icchōme no juuni no juusan. Yuubinkyoku no mae desu. A: Kega desu ka, byōki desu ka. B: Byōki desu. Hito ga taorete imasu. A: Wakarimashita. Ato gofun hodo de kyuukyuusha ga tōchaku shimasu. Main Dialog 1 – Calling an ambulance (English) A: This is 119, Fire Department. Is it fire or a medical emergency? B: Medical emergency. A: Medical emergency. Please tell me your address. B: Tokyo city, Shibuya ward, district 1-12-13 A: Is this an injury or illness? B: Illness. The person has collapsed. A: Understood. The ambulance should arrive in about 5 minutes. Extra phrases for medical emergencies Here are some extra phrases you might find useful during a medical emergency. If you want to ask someone to call an ambulance for you, you can use the following phrase: すみません、救急車を呼んでください Sumimasen, Kyuukyuusha o yonde kudasai. Excuse me, please call an ambulance. It’s common for the emergency services to ask you for your details including your name. For example: お名前を教えてください Onamae o oshiete kudasai What’s your name? And you can reply with your name followed by “…desu” like this: ジョン・スミスです Jon sumisu desu I’m Jon Smith You might then want to explain what’s happened by using the following phrases: 病人がいます Byōnin ga imasu There’s a sick person 怪我をした人がいます Kega o shita hito ga imasu There’s an injured person. If there’s been a traffic accident you can say: 交通事故です Kōtsuu jiko desu There’s been a traffic accident Here are some other phrases that describe someone’s medical condition. You can use these to talk about yourself or someone else: 呼吸が苦しいです Kokyuu ga kurushii desu (Someone is having) difficulty breathing 胸が苦しいです Mune ga kurushii (Someone has) a tight or painful chest 意識不明です Ishiki fumei desu (Someone is) unconscious 出血です Shukketsu desu (Someone is) bleeding.

In this podcast, Ami and Alex teach you how to make suggestions to your friends in natural, fluent Japanese. Check out the dialogues and show notes to practice and improve your Japanese. For more podcasts visit Learn Japanese Pod

In this lesson you will learn how to make a suggestion to your friends in natural sounding Japanese. It’s better to be indirect with your language as being too pushy can make you come off as being arrogant or rude. But don’t worry, we have you covered. Just check out the main dialogue and extra example sentences and you should get a good idea of how to give your ideas and advice to other people. Main Dialog 1 – Making a suggestion (Japanese) A: いや〜もうだめだ。 B: どうしたの？ A: 彼女と喧嘩したんだ。まだ怒ってるみたい。 B: じゃあ、花でもプレセントしたらどう？ A: そうだね。そうしよう。 B: 彼女きっと喜ぶよ。 A: わかった、じゃあ、そうしてみるよ。 Main Dialog 1 – Making a suggestion (Pronunciation) A: Iyaa, mō dame da! B: Dō shita no? A: Kanojo to kenka shitan da. Mada okotteru mitai. B: Jaa, hana demo purezento shitara dō? A: Sō da ne. Sō shiyō. B: Kanojo kitto yorokobu yo. A: Wakatta, jaa, sō shite miru yo. Main Dialog 1 – Making a suggestion (English) A: Argh, this sucks. B: What happened? A: I had a fight with my girlfriend. It seems she’s still angry. B: How about giving her flowers as a present? A: Right. I’ll do that. B: I’m sure she’ll be happy. A: Got it. I’ll give that a try. Extra sentence examples: Example 1 A: 頭痛いな。 Atama itai na – I have a headache B: 薬飲んだらどう？ Kusuri nondara dō? – How about taking some meds? A: そうだね。そうするよ。 Sō da ne. Sō suru yo. – Right. I’ll do that. Example 2 A: いいアイデアが思い浮かばないな Ii aidea ga omoi ukabanai na – I can’t think of any good ideas. B: 少しやすんだらどう？ Sukoshi yasundara dō? – How about taking a break? A: そうだね。そうするよ。 Sō da ne. Sō suru yo. Right. I’ll do that. Example 3 A: 肩凝ってるな。 Kata kotteru – I’ve got stiff shoulders B: マッサージ受けたらどう？ Massaaji shitara dō? – How about getting a massage? A: そうだね。そうするよ。 Sō da ne. Sō suru yo. – Right. I’ll do that. Example 4 A: お腹が空いたな Onaka ga suita na – I’m hungry B: おやつ食べたらどう？ Oyatsu tabetara dō? – How about having a snack? A: そうだね。そうするよ。 Sō da ne. Sō suru yo. – Right. I’ll do that. Example 5 A: 退屈だな。 Taikutsu da na – I’m bored B: 映画みたらどう？ Eiga mitara dō? – How about watching a movie? A: そうだね。そうするよ。 Sō da ne. Sō suru yo. – Right. I’ll do that.

In this Fun Friday edition of the podcast, Andy and Alex answer listener questions about living in Japan, its culture and tips on learning Japanese. For more Japanese language learning podcasts visit Learn Japanese Pod  

In this podcast, Ami and Alex teach you how to use the verb Kureru naturally in Japanese conversation. Kureru is a verb you can use to ask people to do things for you. It’s used casually between friends and family and very common in everyday conversation. Check out the podcast and show notes to learn how to use it naturally in conversation. For more Japanese learning podcasts check out Learn Japanese Pod

In this lesson you’ll learn how to use the verb kureru. Kureru is a verb you use when asking someone to do something for you. It translates roughly as do something for me. Check out the main dialogue on the next page to see how it is used naturally in conversation in Japanese. Main Dialog 1 – Kureru A: あのね、ちょっとお願いしていい B: 何 A: 今日晩御 作ってくれる B: え また A:  料は僕が って来るから B: まあいいけど、次は作ってね A: はああい Main Dialog 1 – Kureru (Pronunciation) A: Ano ne, chotto onegai shite ii? B: Nani? A: Kyō bangohan tsukutte kureru? B: Eh? Mata? A: Shokuryō wa boku ga katte kuru kara! B: Maa, ii kedo, tsugi wa tsukutte ne! A: Haai! Main Dialog 1 – Kureru (English) A: Hey, can I ask a favor? B: What? A: Can you make dinner tonight? B: Eh? Again? A: I’ll buy the ingredients. B: Well, OK but next time you make it. A: Yes! Kureru – Grammar break down When asking to do something for you, using the verb くれるkureru is really helpful. Here are a few examples of how you can use it. 1) Noun + kureru = Please give me something Simple say the thing you want followed by kureru like this: a) 水くれる – Mizu kureru – Could you give me some water? b) 本くれる – Hon kureru – Could you give me the book? 2) Noun + shite kureru You can create a lot of verbs using a noun + shite. For example, sōji means cleaning but sōji shite means, do the cleaning. Add kureru to the end and you can ask people to carry out actions for you like this: a) 掃除してくれる – Sōji shite kureru – Could you do the cleaning for me? b) 予約してくれる – Yoyaku shite kureru – Could you make a reservation for me? c) 注文してくれる – Chuumon shite kureru – Could you order for me? d)  い物してくれる – Kaimono shite kureru – Could you do some shopping for me? 3) ~TE form verbs + Kureru You can use the TE form of a verb + kureru to ask people to do things for you like this: a) 作ってくれる – Tsukutte kureru – Can you make it for me? b)  ってくれる – Katte kureru – Can you buy it for me? c) やってくれる – Yatte kureru – Can you make it for me? Note: Don’t forget: 1) Using kureru is casual 2) It should be used between friends and family 3) If you are using kureru to ask someone to do a favor for you, remember to make the intonation of your voice go up at the end to show it’s a question.

In this podcast, I talk to Andy, a good friend and veteran of Japan. We discuss how the Coronavirus, travel restrictions and curfews have effected Japan and how we think things will develop from here. This is the Fun Friday edition of the podcast where we put down our textbooks and talk to interesting people doing interesting things in Japan. For more podcasts check out Learn Japanese Pod

These are just the Japanese dialogues from podcast #36 “Describing people’s appearance in Japanese”. Main Dialog 1 – Describing people’s appearance A: ね、私の家族の写真見る? B: 見る見る! A: これはおじいちゃん。背が高いんだよね。 B: ほんと、スマートでかっこういいね! A: そうだけど、反対におばあちゃんは私に似て背が低いんだよね。 B: へえー。彼女は誰?お姉さん? A: そう!最近髪をショートにして金髪に染めたの! B: 顔がそっくりだね!それに家族みんなお洒落だよね。 A: ありがとう! Main Dialog 1 – Describing people’s appearance (Pronunciation) A: Ne, watashi no kazoku no shashin miru? B: Miru miru! A: Kore wa ojii chan. Se ga takain da yo ne. B: Honto, sumaato de kakkō ii ne. A: Sō dakedo, hantai ni obaa chan wa watashi ni nite, se ga hikuin da yo ne. B: Heh. Kanojo wa dare? Onee san? A: Sō! Saikin kami wo shooto ni shite kinpatsu ni someta no! B: Kao ga sokkuri da ne. Sore ni kazoku minna oshare da yo ne. A: Arigatō. Main Dialog 1 – Describing people’s appearance (English) A: Hey, do you want to see photos of my family? B: Yes! A: This is my grandpa. He’s tall isn’t he? B: That’s true. He’s tall and good looking. A: That’s right but on the other hand my grandma looks like me and she’s short. B: Ah. Who is she? Is she your older sister? A: Yes. Recently she cut her hair short and dyed it blond. B: Her face looks just like yours. Your family is very stylish. A: Thank you.

In this episode, I interview Niko from NativShark, a comprehensive Japanese language learning app. In this episode we talked about Niko’s journey to becoming fluent in Japanese, why a lot of Japanese study materials suck and the art of making flash cards and other topics. If you are interested in trying out the NativShark app for yourself check out this link for a free 2 week trial. NativShark Free Trial For more podcasts on Japan and learning Japanese go to: Learn Japanese Pod  

In this podcast, Ami Sensei and Alex teach you useful motivational phrases in Japanese. For more Japanese language learning podcasts visit Learn Japanese Pod

In this lesson you’ll learn common useful Japanese phrases used to cheer up and motivate your friends. Everyone struggles from time to time and a word of encouragement can always mean a lot to someone. And in Japan, where teamwork is seen as a virtue, motivating other members in your group to do their best is an important part of building relationships. You’ll find motivational phrases in manga, anime, J-pop and also in casual conversation with your friends. So check out the dialogue and extra phrases in this lesson. Main Dialogue (Japanese) A:　どうしたの？元気なさそうだね。 B:　最近日本語が全然上達しないんだ。 A:　日本語上手じゃん！ B:　いや、思うように話せないんだよね。もうだめだ。 A:　大丈夫、大丈夫。塵も積もれば山となる、だよ。 B:　それどういう意味？ A:　少しずつ頑張って行けば願いは叶うという意味だよ。 B:　わかった！頑張るよ！ Main Dialogue (Pronunciation) A: Dōshita no? Genki nasasō da ne. B: Saikin, Nihongo ga zenzen jōtatsu shinain da. A: Nihongo jōzu jan! B: Iya, omou yō ni hanasenain da yo ne. Mō dame da. A: Daijōbu, daijōbu. Chiri mo tsumoreba yama to naru da yo. B: Sore dōiu imi? A: Sukoshi zutsu gambatte ikeba negai wa kanau toiu imi da yo. B: Wakatta! Gambaru yo! Main Dialogue (English) A: What’s the matter. You don’t seem very well/happy. B: Recently my Japanese hasn’t improved at all. A: Your Japanese is great! B: No, I can’t express myself the way I want to. It’s no good. A: It’s OK, it’s OK. Even dust when piled up becomes a mountain. B: What does that mean? A: It means if you try little by little you can realize your dreams. B: Got it. I’ll give it a shot! Extra Motivational Phrases Here are some extra motivational phrases. These phrases are featured in both the main podcast lesson and the extra drill audio file. Check out Learn Japanese Pod to download the podcast and extra drill audio. 1. 頑張って！ Gambatte! Do your best. 2. ファイト！ Faito! Come on, you can do it! 3. 元気出して。 Genki dashite. Cheer up! 4. 大丈夫、大丈夫。君ならできるよ。Daijōbu, daijōbu. Kimi nara dekiru yo. It’s OK. You can do it. 5. 前向きにね。Mae muki ni ne. Be positive. 6. 焦らないでね。少しずつね。Aseranaide. Sukoshi zutsu. Don’t rush. Do it little by little. 7. 願えば叶うよ。 Negaeba, kanau yo. If you wish it, it will come true. Random Phrase of the Week なんとかなる – Nan toka naru Things will work out somehow 今の会社を辞めてもなんとかなるよ – Ima Kaisha o yamete mo nan toka naru yo Even if you quit your job things will work out そんな心配しないで、なんとかなるさ – Shinpai shinai de, nan toka naru sa Don’t worry, things will work out you know. Learn