Kanji&Coffee

Amber & Kade

Kanji & Coffee is a relaxed, coffee-break podcast about language, culture, and life in Japan—brewed fresh every week. Amber from Tokyo and Kade the expat chat about real Japanese and real experiences: subtle phrase nuances, word origins, everyday expressions, internet memes, and the kind of language you actually hear from people, not textbooks. Amber breaks down natural Japanese in an easy, approachable way, while Kade shares honest perspectives on moving to Japan and building a life here. The conversations are slow, clear, and natural—easy to follow for Japanese listeners learning English, and perfect for English speakers who want to understand how Japanese is really used. Expect meaningful talks, cultural insights, bilingual moments, and plenty of “ohhh, that’s why” discoveries. Grab a coffee and learn with us—one sip at a time ☕️

Episodes

  1. 4D AGO

    Episode 8: Chopsticks Manners! Dos, Don’ts & Hidden Rules

    In 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.

    39 min

  2. JAN 26

    Episode 7: Japanese Filler Words! Eeeeeee? Etto, Ano & More

    In 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.

    1h 5m

  3. JAN 19

    Episode 6: Japanese Food & Meals! Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Raw Eggs?

    In 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.

    1 hr

  4. JAN 12

    Episode 5: Japanese Onomatopoeias Explained! "Sarasara" vs. "Zarazara"

    In 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.

    1h 8m

  5. JAN 7

    Episode 4: Emotions in Japanese ♡ Ureshii, Kanashii, Dokidoki?

    In 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.

    51 min

  6. 12/29/2025

    Special Episode: New Year in Japan: Traditions, Customs, and Fresh Starts

    In 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.

    57 min

  7. 12/22/2025

    Special Episode: What Makes Japanese Christmas Different? (Couples, Cake & KFC!)

    In 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.

    46 min

  8. 12/15/2025

    Episode 3: Wa vs. Ga? Ni vs. He? Japanese Particles Made Simple (+ Quiz!)

    In 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.

    51 min

  9. 12/08/2025

    Episode 2: Japanese Greetings Explained (Konnichiwa, Mata ne, Okaeri & More)

    In 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.

    53 min

  10. 12/03/2025

    Episode 1: Watashi? Boku? Omae? — The Many Ways to Say “I” and “You” in Japanese

    In 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.

    59 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

Kanji & Coffee is a relaxed, coffee-break podcast about language, culture, and life in Japan—brewed fresh every week. Amber from Tokyo and Kade the expat chat about real Japanese and real experiences: subtle phrase nuances, word origins, everyday expressions, internet memes, and the kind of language you actually hear from people, not textbooks. Amber breaks down natural Japanese in an easy, approachable way, while Kade shares honest perspectives on moving to Japan and building a life here. The conversations are slow, clear, and natural—easy to follow for Japanese listeners learning English, and perfect for English speakers who want to understand how Japanese is really used. Expect meaningful talks, cultural insights, bilingual moments, and plenty of “ohhh, that’s why” discoveries. Grab a coffee and learn with us—one sip at a time ☕️

Information

  • Creator
    Amber & Kade
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Kanji&Coffee
  • Show Website
    Kanji&Coffee