30+ Japanese Podcasts That You Must Listen (Updated 2024)
What is the best way to understand how a language is spoken? By listening to native speakers of that language. However, it is not possible to talk or listen to them. In such a case, you must listen to podcasts. Podcasts have become a way to learn a new language. In fact, I have included it in my Japanese learning journey. It increased my knowledge of the Japanese language. But which one is good is a big confusion. To remove your confusion, here are the Japanese podcasts that really helped me.
List of best Japanese Podcasts
Choosing the right podcast is equally important as choosing the right platform. So, it is important to have a list of good podcasts. I have shared some of the best podcasts to use while learning Japanese-
1. JapanesePod101
(Available: Official Platform, YouTube)
If you are looking for something that surrounds you fully with the Japanese language, then this podcast website is for you. I was a beginner when I started using it. With it, I started learning the words and the phrases from the start. There is flexibility in deciding on which topic you want to get a podcast on. As I was using Duolingo at that time, there was less grammatical knowledge. Thus, here I choose grammar as my interest. However, you can select the topic according to your needs. The best part of this website is that it also has videos to teach you the topic.
2. Let’s Talk in Japanese by Tomo
(Available: Apple, Youtube, Spotify)
Looking for a platform that really has a huge gallery of Japanese audio? If yes, you must not miss this podcast. There are multiple topics on which you can get podcasts. Why must you use it? This is because the podcasts are divided based on the level of the learner. I started from beginner-level videos and eventually went on to the advanced level. Usually, the problem with proficient people is that they speak at a fast speed. But that is not the case with Tomo. The speed of Tomo is normal. You can easily understand him. According to Tomo, the podcasts here are unscripted and may not be perfect. But one thing is sure, get natural recordings.
3. Learn Japanese Pod
(Available: Apple, Youtube, Spotify, Offical Website)
Worried about learning Japanese because you are a beginner? If yes, stop thinking so much. Learn Japanese Pod is one such podcast channel developed for beginners. You can see multiple episodes covering multiple topics like hobbies, travel tips, etc. There are more than 170 episodes on the platform. Each lesson is 30 minutes duration. Thus, if you are the one who gets bored listening to such long episodes, you may not use it. Also if you are listening to it on Patreon, you get a transcript in both English and Japanese.
4. Japanese Swotter
(Available: Apple, Youtube, Spotify, Offical Website, Patreon)
Is only listening required to become fluent in the language? No. You must practice it also. Swotter bridged this gap between the podcast and the learner. Listen to the phrases and words carefully, and then repeat them. I genuinely like this website. Here, you will get the content for beginners to mid-level learners. Many grammatical podcasts helped me to understand the languages. If you want more interactive study sessions, this is what you need. There is also a membership plan. If you take it, you get access to Hiragana Episode transcripts.
5. Bilingual News
(Available: Apple, Offical Website)
Will you not enjoy learning a language by keeping yourself updated with the latest things going around? This platform lets you learn the language with the latest things going around. There are two hosts on this platform, Michael and Mami. Mami speaks Japanese and Michael speaks English.
Here, you get a review of the weekly news. Though I don’t enjoy listening to the news much, I use this platform often. It not only helps me to improve my language but also keeps me updated with what is going on. However, the problem with this is that the platform is suited for higher-level learners. They are usually unedited and unscripted.
6. Japanese with Shun
(Available: Apple, Youtube, Spotify, Patreon)
It is a podcast developed for N5 to N4 level learners. My friend makes sure to listen to each episode of it daily. According to his observation, this is a cool podcast for people who actually want to travel to Japan. This podcast will help you to improve your listening and speaking skills. You can get videos related to grammar, vocabulary, and cultural knowledge. There is also a great discussion on travel, culture, etc.
7. Japarrot
(Available: Youtube)
What is the most exciting thing about Japan for kids? It’s their animations. The animated shows in Japan are not only popular there, but also in other countries like India. But what if you get podcasts to learn Japanese with animated characters? Japarrot is a podcast channel on YouTube where you can learn Japanese with animations. You will listen to some good engaging stories on this platform.
8. Learn Japanese with Manga Sensei
(Available: Apple, Spotify, Patreon, PlayerFM, Podbean)
Another platform where you can learn Japanese with animated characters is Manga Sensei. It is a podcast where you get a 30-day challenge to learn the basics of it. You will listen to a new lesson each day. The podcasts are developed in a more structured and intensive manner. You will also get Phonetic Japanese scripts – Hiragana and Katakana, in the first two lessons.
9. Japanese listening Shower
Another channel where you can learn the language on YouTube is Japanese Listening Shower. This is the channel that keeps bringing new videos each day. The creator of the channel is a native speaker living in Japan. All the videos are based on the basics level. The language used on this channel is simple and basically focuses on Beginners to intermediate. Also, there are only the words used in daily life.
10. Let’s learn Japanese from Small Talk
(Available: Apple, Spotify, PlayerFM)
What is better than learning the language from a book? This podcast is hosted by George Trombely, an author of the ‘Japanese from Zero!’ series. In the podcast, you get a lot of vocabulary lists for each online episode. It makes the podcast a way to improve vocabulary knowledge. There are also conversations based on real life. You get a new podcast every Saturday. The reason why it is on my list is because there are many practice exercises.
11. Japanese With Noriko
(Available: Apple, Youtube, Spotify, Offical Website, Patreon, PlayerFM)
If you want a particular website where you can get podcasts, articles, blogs, and videos, all in one place, this website is highly recommended. The podcasts are created by Noriko who speaks natural and clear Japanese. There are more than 160 podcasts that you can go through. You get good vocabulary knowledge with each podcast. In addition to that, there is also a small and dedicated community of Japanese learners. In this community, she teaches Individual and group classes of students who want to learn Japanese. However, you have to pay $25 per month for it, there is also a free trial.
12. Real Japanese Podcasts
Isn’t it great to learn from a podcast learning running since 2022? Real Japanese Podcasts were launched in 2022 by a Japanese teacher, Haruka. The reason, I love this podcast is because the creator discusses different topics each week. You will not feel it like a podcast but like a casual Japanese conversation with your friends. However, with time she has invited people to connect on her podcasts. Many of her podcasts are also very informative. Thus, you must try it.
13. News in Slow Japanese
(Available: Apple, Offical Website, Podbean)
These podcasts state that they cover content for every level. But I recommend you, use it once you are at an intermediate level. It is because you will have to listen to the news in Japanese. Although, the news is slow, still sometimes some words are hard. However, listening to these podcasts is much more accessible than normal news channels. You will stay updated with current affairs and develop language skills.
14. Yuyu Podcast
(Available: Apple, Youtube, Spotify, Patreon, Podbean)
Another podcast creator from which you can learn Japanese is YuYu. These are published every few days. If you want to develop your knowledge of Japan, this is what I will recommend to you. You can learn about the history, education, society, etc., of Japan. But remember, you must start listening up at the intermediate level. You can get these podcasts either on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple podcasts.
15. The Japanese page
(Available: Youtube, Offical Website)
From the name itself, you can understand that this website is all about Japanese. This is a website full of Japanese resources. You can either get podcasts or other types of resources. It allowed me to choose the content based on my learning. There were so many options, where I could listen to podcasts. You get a lot of mini podcasts featuring short conversations. At the start, there is always a recap. The words and phrases are also included in the English language.
16. NHK Daily News
(Available: Apple, Youtube, Offical Website)
Again a podcast that helps to stay updated with the things going around you. It only covers real-life events going on in Japan. You will listen to the Japanese Speakers and get the news for more complex phrases. The only thing that makes it different from other podcasts is the intermixing of English and Japanese. Thus, it becomes easy to understand what is going on. Also, the host repeats all the conversations to understand the content in detail. With a strong foundation of Grammar and interactive elements, I could check my understanding.
17. Coten Radio
(Available: Apple, Youtube, Spotify, Offical Website)
Do you love to know the history? If yes, Coten Radio will help you. This podcast is hosted by two history lovers. Each episode will teach you something unique about Japan’s history. The episodes are usually 20-25 minutes long. Many such stories are still there that are not explored. Both the hosts make sure to cover them all. I believe it is not a language-learning podcast, but surely gives you unique vocabulary. However, I suggest, listening to it once you are at an intermediate level. It will surely develop your knowledge.
18. LingQ
(Available: Offical Website)
What if I tell you that you can learn the language by listening to the interviews of some famous people? LingQ gives you the freedom of it. I got to know about this platform from one of my friends. He told me how he developed his knowledge by hearing the interviews. But are there only interviews? No. This platform covers a wide range of topics. You can get the topics like Current affairs, Education, Food, Drinks, etc. Also, there are free transcripts which makes it a more useful platform.
19. Miku Real Japanese
(Available: Apple, Youtube, Spotify, Offical Website)
If you want to know how Native speakers talk, listen to this podcast. The episodes of this podcast are interesting. You will either get monologues or interviews on the platform. She interviews other teachers and shares some unexplored facts about Japan. The interviews are a little faster as they are between two native speakers. It is best suited for people who are already at the advanced level. You can listen to these podcasts on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.
20. Japanese with Teppei and Noriko
(Available: Apple, Youtube, Spotify, Offical Website, Podbean)
I have already mentioned the Solo Podcast of Noriko above. You must be wondering why she has another podcast. Both, Teppei and Noriko, are Prolific creators. This is an amazing podcast that uses simple and easy words in a podcast. Both the creators know their audience, And make sure to use an easy vocabulary. Even a beginner can easily understand the language.
Again the podcasts are unscripted and natural. There is no more exposure to beginner-level vocabulary but prepares you for conversation with multiple people. However, a drawback with this podcast is the first podcast is not up to the mark.
21. Rebuild
(Available: Youtube, Offical Website)
If you are a tech lover this podcast is for you. I am not much into tech, but one of my cousins is. When she was going to Japan, she surrounded herself with numerous online Japanese resources. Rebuild was one of them. Here, you get all about tech and gadgets. The main host, Miyagawa, makes sure you get good-quality audio, but some episodes may have thicker accents. If you come across such an episode, switch on the other one. It also gives you the ability to filter the episodes based on the guest host. So, if you like a host, get more podcasts of them.
22. Japanese Podcasts for Beginners (Nihongo con Teppei)
(Available: Apple, Youtube, Spotify, Offical Website)
As I mentioned above, Teppei is a prolific creator who teaches more about the Japanese lifestyle. In each of the episodes, you will see him and a guest. You can get content on different topics. He has even shared his personal experiences which give you an idea of what things you must avoid doing. Again just like many other podcasts in the list, it focuses on Natural Japanese rather than a textbook. I have listened to some of the podcasts. Trust me, no other person teaches the language like him. He gives you translations and explanations wherever needed.
23. The Bite Size Japanese Podcast
(Available: Apple, Youtube, Spotify, Patreon, Podbean)
If you are an intermediate learner and want to know about the lifestyle of Japan, choose this podcast. It is hosted by Layla Nihongo. Although she discusses her busy lifestyle, she also shares practical tips on speaking Japanese. You will explore a variety of vocabulary and grammatical tips divided in different sections. Some sections are – Lifestyle, Personal Development, Career, etc. It allows you to strengthen your comprehension in Japanese. These podcasts are usually of 10 minutes or less.
24. Everyday Japanese Podcast
(Available: Apple, Youtube, Spotify)
I think the best podcast to learn a language is through an experienced Japanese teacher. This podcast is hosted by Sayuri. In this podcast, there is information on culture, travel experience, etc. Here, she will provide content on various topics including Social norms, Japanese culture, events, etc. She also shares her personal observations and experiences which makes the user engaged. The episodes are a mix of solos and interviews.
25. Tofugu
(Available: Apple, Youtube, Spotify, Offical Website)
Looking for something where you can get good resources to learn a language? You must check Tofugu. It not only gives you podcasts but also multiple resources. It has multiple transcripts on the platform making it easy for you to learn the language. If you are ready to move on from the beginner level, this podcast is for you. You will get engaging stories with educational content. This podcast has multiple hosts to develop speaking styles. While going through the website, you also get detailed resources on Punctuation, Kanji, Cultural knowledge, etc.
26. Thinking in Japanese
(Available: Apple, Spotify, Patreon, Podbean)
It is a podcast that is different from other traditional Japanese learning platforms. It usually gives you knowledge of daily activities in Japan. But why is it on this list? It is because the way she speaks on the podcast is amazing. This podcast is hosted by Iisaku. The host makes sure to go slowly by taking a deep pause between the words and phrases. Some words are easy to understand. However, a few words can be difficult to understand.
Thus, to help you there is a vocabulary list with each episode. You will get to understand how to use Japanese in daily life. Also, if you take a Patreon subscription for this channel, you unlock the scripts, bonus content, and Japanese newsletters.
27. SakuraTips
(Available: Apple, Youtube, Spotify, Offical Website, PlayerFM, Podbean)
Even though it is fully in the Japanese language, it is a great podcast to try. The host of this podcast, Mari, uses very easy and simple vocabulary. If you think that TV series are not easy to understand, or they are too fast to understand, this podcast is for you. They are only for 4-5 minutes, there is no way of getting distracted. Just like thinking in Japanese, the podcasts are too slow.
28. Nihong con Teppei
(Available: Offical Website)
As I told you above, you will see these names again and again. The beginner-friendly version of this podcast is already discussed above. This one is the intermediate level of the platform. There are more than 600 episodes here. As it is an intermediate-level podcast, you will get a difficult vocabulary list. Of course, it is possible that you did not understand the words earlier. But later on, you will get it.
29. Sound Library
(Available: Podnews)
If you love to listen to fictional stories, this podcast is for you. It is hosted by the actress Tae Kimura who will read the stories out loud. The stories are so popular that they are published under a book. Although it is designed for native speakers, you can use it if you are an intermediate learner. You may face difficulty in understanding the vocabulary or grammar. But with time, you will understand it.
Bonus
Many podcasts are outdated or have some drawbacks, but add up a lot. Thus, here I have mentioned some of them-
30. JLPT Stories
(Available: Spotify, PlayerFM)
Although they were in the top 10th position, they have dropped their position. It is because they have not updated any new episodes in the past 2 years. They are the latest podcasts that are available online. If you are a person who loves hearing small stories, then this is what you need. When I listen to these stories, I notice, there are 3-4 minute stories in Japanese. There was also a Japanese transcript under each of the stories. One thing that made it different from others is that it also linked grammatical explanations with free resources. There will be different sites in the quality and reliability of the content. It may also give you a little English translation.
31. Fun Japanese Listening
(Available: Apple, Spotify, Offical Website)
Again a podcast that is not updated but still can benefit you. There are 20 episodes which are based on textbook-style dialogues. Why I still suggest you check this podcast is the amazing amount of grammar and vocabulary it has. The episodes are of only 5-10 minutes which can easily be completed.
32. Pimsleur
(Available: Offical Website)
Pimsleur is not a typical podcast challenge but a language-learning platform. You will get the audio lessons which are in podcast style. All the lessons are arranged in a manner that you get from the beginner to the advanced level. However, there are two main drawbacks to using it-
- It is a paid platform
- The lessons are of 30 minutes
If you do not have a habit of sitting so long, you will not enjoy it. But if you have, and there is no budget problem, you must try it. What more do you get? The practice exercise. After each lesson, there is a practice exercise that is too interesting to go through.
33. Japanese Uncovered
(Available: Story Learning)
It is neither a podcast channel nor a course. This is an audiobook, where you get plenty of audio lessons in the form of podcasts. 20 lessons are designed to transform you from a complete beginner to an intermediate level. The best part of this is, you can change the speed of it. If, you cannot understand what is going on in the podcast, check the PDF transcript. After each of their lessons, there is a quiz and some speaking activities. The price you pay is too high, ($397) which is why it is not added to the top list.
Conclusion
Japanese is a language that is considered tough to understand. It not only has a different writing style, but the pronunciation is also very different. To develop your communication skills, you must take the help of podcasts. Although in the beginning it may be hard for you to understand, after some time you will get to know more about it. Choosing the right podcast is very important. Though there are so many podcasts available online, deciding which one to choose is difficult. I have tested several podcasts and have shared those which helped me a lot. Do try them.
