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!

Transcribed - Published: 7 June 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 7 June 2025

The show notes for this episode have moved to our new Patreon page. Learn Japanese Pod Patreon Page.

Published: 7 June 2025

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!

Transcribed - Published: 31 May 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2025

The show notes for this episode have moved to our new Patreon page. Learn Japanese Pod Patreon Page.

Published: 30 April 2025

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!  

Transcribed - Published: 30 January 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 29 September 2024

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

Transcribed - Published: 29 September 2024

The show notes for this episode have moved to our new Patreon page. Learn Japanese Pod Patreon Page.

Published: 29 September 2024

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

Transcribed - Published: 20 July 2024

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

Transcribed - Published: 20 July 2024

The show notes for this episode have moved to our new Patreon page. Learn Japanese Pod Patreon Page.

Published: 20 July 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 20 June 2024

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

Transcribed - Published: 31 May 2024

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

Transcribed - Published: 31 May 2024

The show notes for this episode have moved to our new Patreon page. Learn Japanese Pod Patreon Page.

Published: 31 May 2024

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  

Transcribed - Published: 27 April 2024

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

Transcribed - Published: 27 April 2024

The show notes for this episode have moved to our new Patreon page. Learn Japanese Pod Patreon

Published: 27 April 2024

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 […]

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2024

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

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2024

The show notes for this episode have moved to our new Patreon page. Learn Japanese Pod Patreon

Published: 1 April 2024

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, […]

Transcribed - Published: 26 February 2024

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

Transcribed - Published: 26 February 2024

The show notes to this episode have moved to our new Patreon page. Learn Japanese Pod Patreon

Published: 26 February 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 15 January 2024

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

Transcribed - Published: 15 January 2024

The show notes of podcast 52 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Learn Japanese Pod Patreon page

Published: 15 January 2024

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 […]

Transcribed - Published: 29 December 2023

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

Transcribed - Published: 29 December 2023

The show notes of podcast 51 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Learn Japanese Pod Patreon page

Published: 29 December 2023

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!

Transcribed - Published: 22 December 2023

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 […]

Transcribed - Published: 15 December 2023

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. […]

Transcribed - Published: 10 November 2023

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

Transcribed - Published: 10 November 2023

The show notes of podcast 50 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Podcast 50 Show Notes

Published: 10 November 2023

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 […]

Transcribed - Published: 25 August 2023

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 […]

Transcribed - Published: 11 August 2023

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 […]

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2023

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

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2023

The show notes to our podcasts can now be accessed with Patreon Membership. Podcast 49 notes

Published: 30 April 2023

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 […]

Transcribed - Published: 5 March 2023

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

Transcribed - Published: 5 March 2023

The show notes of podcast 48 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Podcast 48 Show Notes

Published: 5 March 2023

In this podcast, Ami Sensei and I talk about how to make small talk in Japanese. We talk about appropriate topics and ones to avoid. And we also teach you some useful vocabulary, phrases and grammar to make you sound more natural and fluent. Please note we have opened a new Premium membership that provides […]

Transcribed - Published: 29 January 2023

The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 47 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Podcast 47 Japanese Audio Drill

Transcribed - Published: 29 January 2023

The show notes of podcast 47 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Podcast 47 Show Notes

Published: 29 January 2023

In this Fun Friday edition of the podcast, Alex, A-Chan and Andy talk about the major events that shaped Japan in 2022. For more Japan themed podcasts visit Learn Japanese Pod

Transcribed - Published: 29 December 2022