The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese Language

Tofugu
  • 4.6 (476)
  • EDUCATION
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese Language

For people who want to visit Japan, live in Japan, and learn Japanese. Please excuse the tangents.

  1. けど: Why Are Japanese Speakers Always Ending Their Sentences with "But"?

    04/26/2023

    けど: Why Are Japanese Speakers Always Ending Their Sentences with "But"?

    In this episode, the Tofugu crew, Kanae and Nick, discuss how "but" in Japanese, けど (kedo), is often used at the end of sentences in real-life conversations. For more details, check out Kanae's article: https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/kedo/

    1h 5m
  2. How To Language Exchange Successfully

    12/19/2022

    How To Language Exchange Successfully

    Language exchange is a fun and free way to improve your Japanese. But to do it successfully, you should consider a few things. In this episode, the Tofugu crew, Kanae and Ian discuss tips and practical expressions you can use for language exchange sessions. For more details, check out: https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/language-exchange/

    1h 9m
  3. How and Where to Buy Japanese E-Books

    11/04/2022

    How and Where to Buy Japanese E-Books

    In this episode, the Tofugu crew, Kanae and David discuss why e-books can be great materials for Japanese learners, all their tips for buying Japanese e-books, and their favorite Japanese e-book stores. After listening to the episode, check out: https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/how-to-buy-japanese-ebooks/

    48 min
  4. Why Is Everyone Raving about "Yotsuba&!"?

    07/23/2022

    Why Is Everyone Raving about "Yotsuba&!"?

    よつばと！ (Yotsuba&!) is a Japanese slice-of-life comedy manga series that's become very popular in the Japanese learning community. In this episode, the Tofugu crew, Kanae and Ian talk about how much they love Yotsuba&! and why it's such a great manga series to pick up for Japanese learners, especially beginners. After listening to this episode, check out Ian's review article about "Yotsuba&!": https://www.tofugu.com/reviews/yotsubato/

    44 min
  5. "Yuri" — Japanese Queer Women Love Stories

    06/26/2022

    "Yuri" — Japanese Queer Women Love Stories

    In this episode, Emily and Kanae discuss “yuri,” the Japanese genre of women-loving women (wlw) romantic relationships. Check out this episode to learn a brief history of yuri, famous examples of yuri, and Emily’s yuri/LGBTQ+ recommendations, such as: 少女革命ウテナ (Revolutionary Girl Utena) やがて君になる (Bloom Into You) しまなみ誰そ彼 (Our Dreams at Dusk) … and more!

    56 min

  6. 04/01/2022

    Things I Wish I Knew When I Was A Beginner Japanese Learner, Feat. Ian Battaglia

    In this episode, Ian Battaglia, a Japanese resource review writer at Tofugu and an enthusiastic Japanese learner who’s still actively working his way to the advanced level, discusses all kinds of things he wishes he knew when he was a beginner Japanese learner. Ian covers topics like: - Learning Japanese is not a race! Go at your own “sustainable” pace - A recommended learning order for self-learners to have the foundation for immersion - Reading practice is surprisingly beneficial in general - Focus more on practice, not process - Be okay with not understanding everything in Japanese and more. Make sure to give it a listen for Ian’s Japanese learning wisdom!

    54 min

  7. 03/25/2022

    Things I Wish I Knew When I Was A Beginner Japanese Learner, Feat. Emily Suvannasankha

    In this episode, Emily Suvannasankha, a Japan category writer at Tofugu and an enthusiastic Japanese learner of over a decade, discusses all kinds of things she wishes she knew when she was a beginner Japanese learner. Even more, she also shares tips and advice that she got from interviewing her friends who study Japanese. Emily covers topics like: - A little a day adds up to a LOT — make Japanese learning a daily habit - Don’t let shame keep you from getting back into a groove after a hiatus - Hiragana, katakana, and some simple kanji are surprisingly easy - Learn a good chunk of vocabulary before starting to study grammar - Kanji writing ability is not as important as you think and more. Make sure to give it a listen for some Japanese learning wisdom from Emily and her friends!

    58 min

  8. 03/18/2022

    Things I Wish I Knew When I Was A Beginner Japanese Learner, Feat. David Honeycutt

    In this episode, David Honeycutt, a Japanese resource review writer at Tofugu and an enthusiastic Japanese learner of over a decade, discusses all kinds of things he wishes he knew when he was a beginner Japanese learner. David covers topics like: - How to follow some sort of curriculum even if you’re a self-learner - The power of SRS (Spaced Repetition System) - Using a built-in dictionary on computers or phones - Setting tangible goals with deadlines and more. Make sure to give it a listen for David’s Japanese learning wisdom!

    41 min
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For people who want to visit Japan, live in Japan, and learn Japanese. Please excuse the tangents.

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