Shows
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese Language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/
2023-04-261h 05
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageHow To Language Exchange SuccessfullyLanguage 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/
2022-12-191h 08
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageHow and Where to Buy Japanese E-BooksIn 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/
2022-11-0447 min
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageWhy 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/
2022-07-2344 min
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageThings I Wish I Knew When I Was A Beginner Japanese Learner, Feat. Ian BattagliaIn 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 s...
2022-04-0154 minThe Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageThings I Wish I Knew When I Was A Beginner Japanese Learner, Feat. Emily SuvannasankhaIn 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
- Lea...
2022-03-2558 minThe Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageThings I Wish I Knew When I Was A Beginner Japanese Learner, Feat. David HoneycuttIn 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!
2022-03-1841 min
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageMEXT Research Scholarship: Get a Master’s Degree in Japan for FreeThe MEXT Research Scholarship is Japan's government-funded program that will let you do a free master's *and* cover living expenses to boot.
...Sounds too good to be true? Well, Emily is living proof that it's not.
In this episode, Kanae and Rachel welcome Tofugu’s new writer Emily as a co-host and talk about her experience with the scholarship program she just finished in Nagoya a few months ago. Anyone who’s curious about MEXT will find some insight into the application process in this chat, as well as a few words of support if you decide to go for it.
...
2021-12-2250 min
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese Languageは and が: Part 1Put your hands up if you agree that は and が are up there with the most confusing aspects of Japanese grammar. Part of the confusion is that they're often conflated as being more or less the same thing. And while that's intuitive in lots of situations, it can be confusing if you come up against an example where they add a different nuance, or where using one of them sounds just plain weird.
If you've ever been confused about は and が, join us for this three-part mini-series on the two trickiest particles in Japanese. In this first episode, Kanae and Jenny discuss particle...
2021-11-1742 minThe Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese Languageは and が: Part 3This is the third and final episode in our three-part mini-series on the Japanese particles は and が. In this episode, Kanae and Jenny turn their attention to the particle が, including the effects of switching it out with は in cases like すしが好き and すしは好き. Join us for some food-obsessed examples of が usage.
For more details about は and が, check out Jenny's article: https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/wa-and-ga/
2021-11-1732 minThe Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese Language彼・彼女: The Japanese Words for "He" and "She" That We Don't Really Use彼 (kare) and 彼女 (kanojo) are Japanese third-person pronouns, meaning "he" and "she." Even though they're the equivalents of these essential English words, Japanese speakers don't really use 彼 and 彼女 in conversation.
In this episode, the Tofugu crew, Kanae, Jenny, and Rachel, discuss the history of 彼 and 彼女, what you sound like when you use them, their more common meanings "boyfriend" and "girlfriend" — and even a slangy way of pronouncing them.
2021-10-0844 min
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese Languageもったいない: Learn About "Mottainai" Because It's Mottainai If You Don'tもったいない (mottainai) is a unique Japanese word that articulates the sense of regret, guilt, and sorrow you feel for wasting all sorts of things — food, physical objects, time, opportunities, and potential.
In this episode, Kanae and Jenny (big fans of mottainai) talk about the nuances of the word, as well as Japan's cultural and religious views that have deeply influenced it or been influenced by it.
For more information about もったいない, check out Kanae's article: https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/mottainai/
2021-08-2354 minThe Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese Languageんだ and んです: What the Heck Is the ん?!Although んだ (nda) and んです(ndesu) are very common ways of ending Japanese sentences, they can be challenging for English speakers to understand because there's no equivalent to these in English.
In this episode, Kanae and Rachel discuss what these sentence enders really are (I mean, what the heck is the ん anyway, right?), and how they are used.
After (or even before) listening to this episode, check out our grammar page about んだ and んです for more in-depth information: [https://www.tofugu.com/japanese-grammar/explanatory-nda-ndesu-noda-nodesu/](https://www.tofugu.com/japanese-grammar/explanatory-nda-ndesu-noda-nodesu/)
2021-08-2028 min
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese Languageに VS で: Which Particle To Use For Locations?The particles に (Ni) and で (De) can both be used to specify locations, but each serves a different purpose. If you ever wondered how they're different, or you've been using them without knowing the difference, this episode is for you!
In this episode, Kanae and Rachel discuss the basic difference and illustrate it using examples and quizzes. They even talk about which particle to use to describe niche situations like "egging a house" or "dropping a phone in the toilet."
After (or before) listening to this episode, make sure to also check out Mami's article "に vs で: Which Particle To Choose and Why": ht...
2021-08-1340 minThe Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageSecond-Person Pronouns: お前The Japanese second-person pronoun, お前 (omae), has different sides to its personality, just like other personal pronouns.
This is the third episode of our Japanese second-person pronoun series. In this episode, the Tofugu crew, comprised of Kanae, Mami, and Rachel, discuss the various nuances of お前. This includes how grandpas and grandmas sometimes use it as a way to show affection to kids, especially those hiding in bamboo or peaches in Japanese folklore.
2021-05-2826 minThe Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageSecond-Person Pronouns: 君A Japanese second-person pronoun, 君 (kimi) carries different nuances. It could be friendly, poetic, endearing, or even condescending (!).
This is the second episode of our Japanese second-person pronoun series. In this episode, the Tofugu crew, which features Kanae, Mami, and Rachel, discuss the various nuances of 君, including how 君 is the perfect pronoun to use when talking to a hundred tamagotchis.
2021-05-2128 minThe Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageSecond-Person Pronouns: あなたHave you ever wondered if the Japanese second-person pronoun, あなた (anata), is rude or polite?
This is the first episode of our Japanese second-person pronoun series. In this episode, the Tofugu crew, Cameron and Kanae, try to clear the myth of あなた being rude or being polite. They also discuss how and where people actually use あなた.
2021-05-1434 minThe Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageWhat Should I Call "You"? Part 4: Other TricksThis is the fourth episode of our What Should I Call "You"? series.
In Japanese, pronouns for "others" (which includes everything besides "I" — "you" "they" / "she" / "he" ) are not generally used in conversation. In this series, the Tofugu crew discusses different ways to refer to others without using pronouns.
In this episode, Kanae, Cameron and Mami talk about back up options you can use when the other methods we've covered don't work, such as using すみません (sumimasen), そちら (sochira), お宅 (otaku), and more!
After listening to this episode, check out our article for a more in-depth explanation of the topic: https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/what-shou
2021-03-1942 minThe Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageWhat Should I Call "You"? Part 3: Using Family Roles/Social RolesThis is the third episode of our What Should I Call "You"? series.
In Japanese, pronouns for "others" (which includes everything besides "I" — "you" "they" / "she" / "he" ) are not generally used in conversation. In this series, the Tofugu crew discusses different ways to refer to others without using pronouns.
In this episode, Kanae, Cameron and Mami talk about using family roles (such as "dad," "auntie") and social roles (such as "sensei," "president") in place of pronouns.
After listening to this episode, check out our article for a more in-depth explanation of the topic: https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/what-should-i-call-you/
2021-03-1251 minThe Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageWhat Should I Call "You"? Part 2: Using NamesThis is the second episode of our "What Should I Call 'You'?" series.
In Japanese, pronouns for "others" (which includes everything besides "I" — "you" "they" / "she" / "he" ) are not generally used in conversation. In this series, the Tofugu crew discusses different ways to refer to others without using pronouns.
In this episode, Kanae, Jenny and Rachel talk about using names in place of pronouns as well as the Japanese name system, nick names and name enders.
After listening to this episode, check out our article for a more in-depth explanation of the topic: https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/what-should-i-call-you/
2021-03-0528 minThe Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageWhat Should I Call "You"? Part 1: Zero PronounsThis is the first episode of our "What Should I Call 'You'?" series.
In Japanese, pronouns for "others" (which includes everything besides "I" — "you" "they" / "she" / "he" ) are not generally used in conversation. In this series, the Tofugu crew discusses different ways to refer to others without using pronouns.
In this episode, Kanae, Jenny and Rachel talk about the "zero pronoun," aka simply leaving out pronouns.
After listening to this episode, check out our article for a more in-depth explanation of the topic: https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/what-should-i-call-you/
2021-02-2626 minThe Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese Languageよ VS ね — Two Particles with Lots of AttitudeIn this episode, Mami, Cameron, and Kanae talk about two sentence-ending particles, よ (yo) and ね (ne). They dive deep into their different nuances and uses, with a lot of examples. Also make sure not to miss a special cameo appearance of a very special holiday guest!
After listening to this episode, check out our article on Tofugu.com for more info:
"よ and ね: WHAT DO THESE PARTICLES REALLY MEAN TO JAPANESE SPEAKERS?" (https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/yo-vs-ne/)
2020-12-1843 minThe Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese Languageさすが — Actually, It Isn't *Always* A ComplimentThis is the second episode in our two-part さすが (sasuga) miniseries. The Tofugu crew — Kanae, Jenny and Mami — discuss the "other," overshadowed use of さすが, which is not for compliments. This discussion led to the discovery of Kanae's weird and controversial bathroom habits.
After listening to the episode, check our article "さすが Is Not Always A Compliment": https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/sasuga/
2020-11-2038 minThe Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese Languageさすが — The Best Compliment You Can Get in JapaneseThis is the first episode in our two-part miniseries about the unique Japanese word さすが (sasuga). In this episode, the Tofugu crew — Kanae, Jenny and Mami — discuss the nuances of さすが when it's used as a compliment. Listen carefully and you'll even learn about a quirky eating habit of Mami's from her high school days.
2020-11-1347 minThe Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese Language思う VS 考える — Two Kinds of "Thinking"Put on your thinking caps, folks! In this episode, the Tofugu crew — Kanae, Cameron, Mami, and Rachel — discuss the differences between 考える and 思う, two Japanese words for "think."
After listening to the episode, check our article to do some more thinking about "thinking":
https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/omou-kangaeru/
2020-09-0451 minThe Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageMaking Sense of な-adjectives and の-adjectivesIn this episode, two native Japanese speakers (Kanae/Mami) and two English-speaking Japanese learners (Cameron/Rachel) discuss two types of noun-based adjectives, な-adjectives and の-adjectives.
Later in the episode, the Tofugu Crew goes through quizzes such as "What's the difference between 本当な〜 and 本当の〜?" to help deepen their understanding.
After listening to the episode, check out more details in our article:
MAKING SENSE OF な-ADJECTIVES and の-ADJECTIVES https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/na-adjectives-no-adjectives/
2020-06-1951 minThe Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageSenpai: The Japanese Word You Look up ToIn this episode, the Tofugu crew, Kanae, Cameron, and Rachel discuss the word "senpai," its use in Japanese schools and society, and Kanae's lasting trauma surrounding white socks from her senpai experience.
After listening to the episode, check more details in our article: https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/senpai/
2020-05-011h 02The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageThe Meaning of Sensei: More Than Just "Teacher"Did you know there are people who are 先生 (sensei) besides teachers or your judo instructor Sensei Jeff?
In this episode, the Tofugu crew, Kanae, Jenny, and Rachel discuss the word "sensei" from their personal experience and introduce many different kinds of sensei beyond teachers.
After listening to the episode, check more details in our article: https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/sensei/
2020-04-241h 04The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese Languageだ and です: Part IIIn this episode, Tofugu's research team answers questions about だ and です from our listeners, such as:
"What would be the best translation of です?"
"When and how does it make sense to switch between です to だ when meeting somebody new?"
After listening to this episode, go check out our article on Tofugu.com for more info: "だ and です : Venturing beyond Textbook Rules into Real-Life Use" (www.tofugu.com/japanese/da-vs-desu-in-real-life/)
2020-01-2445 minThe Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese Languageだ and です: Part IIn this episode, the Tofugu research team answers questions about だ and です from our listeners, such as:
"Is it true that だ isn't just a less polite form of です?"
"What are the real differences between だ and です?"
After listening to this episode, check out our article on Tofugu.com for more info:
"だ and です : Venturing beyond Textbook Rules into Real-Life Use" (www.tofugu.com/japanese/da-vs-desu-in-real-life/)
2020-01-1746 minThe Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageFirst-Person Pronouns: When Female Speakers Use 僕 or 俺This is the finale of our "First-Person Pronouns" series.
In this episode, Kanae welcomes new co-hosts Cameron and Javi to discuss the use of traditionally male first-person pronouns such as 僕 or 俺 by female speakers. The discussion spans use in Japanese pop culture, media, celebrities, and the LGBTQ community.
After you’ve listened to this episode, check out our article on Japanese first-person pronouns:
https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/japanese-first-person-pronouns/
2020-01-071h 00
Japan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageKoichi of Tofugu.comOn this episode of the Japan Station podcast we're talking about learning Japanese, running a business, and a whole lot more with the creator of Tofugu, Koichi. About Koichi For more than a decade Koichi has been helping people learn about Japan, Japanese culture, and the Japanese language via the blog Tofugu and all of its related products and services. Koichi got his start in the public eye when he began uploading Japanese-language videos to his YouTube channel Koichiben during the early days of YouTube. Not long after that, Koichi made the transition...
2020-01-0144 minThe Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageFirst-Person Pronouns: Using Your Own NameThis is the fifth episode in our "First-Person Pronouns" series.
In this episode, we talk about using your own name as a first-person pronoun (and the anatomy of Anpanman).
After you’ve listened to this episode, check out our article on Japanese first-person pronouns:
https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/japanese-first-person-pronouns/
2019-12-1753 minThe Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageFirst-Person Pronouns: 俺 (おれ)This is the fourth episode in our "First-Person Pronouns" series.
In this episode, we talk about 俺 (おれ) and why it is so tricky for Japanese learners to master.
After you’ve listened to this episode, check out our article on Japanese first-person pronouns:
https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/japanese-first-person-pronouns/
2019-09-0920 minThe Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageFirst-Person Pronouns: 僕 (ぼく)This is the third episode in our "First-Person Pronouns" series.
In this episode, Koichi, Michael, and Kanae discuss their own personal experiences with 僕 (ぼく), as well as how to sound more hip when using it.
After you’ve listened to this episode, check out our article on Japanese first-person pronouns:
https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/japanese-first-person-pronouns/
2019-09-0225 minThe Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageFirst-Person Pronouns: うちThis is the second episode in our "First-Person Pronouns" series.
In this episode, we talk about うち. Though rarely taught in textbooks, うち is used fairly commonly in real life, especially in Kansai and between young females.
After you’ve listened to this episode, check out our article on Japanese first-person pronouns:
https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/japanese-first-person-pronouns/
2019-08-2614 minThe Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageFirst-Person Pronouns: 私 (わたし/わたくし/あたし)In this, the first episode in our "First-Person Pronouns" series, we talk about わたし, わたくし and あたし. Despite all coming from the kanji 私, each of these three pronouns carries a different level of formality and gives a different impression.
We’ve included some exercises to practice things like which specific situations call for わたし and which call for わたくし.
After you’ve listened to this episode, check out our article on Japanese first-person pronouns:
https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/japanese-first-person-pronouns/
2019-08-1934 minThe Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageHow to Count Living Things (and Monsters, and Robots) in JapaneseWe talk about the counters that count living things (頭, 匹, 人, and 羽) and how they overlap with each other.
We also answer the hard Japanese counter questions like: can you count a robot with 人? What about a cyborg? How big can a 匹 animal be? What counter is worthy of the King of the Monsters?
After you're done listening to this, learn way, way more about counters in our list of 350+ Japanese counters worth knowing: https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/japanese-counters-list/
2019-01-0852 min
Learn Japanese w/ Manga SenseiManga Sensei & TofuguIt Happened. I finally got to talk to Koichi at Tofugu. If you don't know who Tofugu is: Tofugu.com should be enough to make you think I'm nothing but an amateur. This is the blog to end all blogs. Tofugu, the big delicious fish.Website: https://manga-sensei.com/ Medium: https://medium.com/manga-senseiFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/themangasensei/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themangasensei/Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/manga-senseiSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4cCe3zLkyxJxn97PVpJbZW?si=_cdm8yq9StGUuChtOPY4SAYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFyhPCVFsM_0...
2018-12-2233 minThe Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageHow to Counter AnythingWe talk about the counters 〜個 and 〜つ, the two counters that can count just about... anything! But, there are always going to be better counters out there for more specific things so we talk about those too. Consider this an overview on how to counter.
2018-12-201h 13The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageBecoming Famous in Japan - An Interview with Big in JapanFind and watch the Big in Japan documentary here:
http://www.biginjapandoc.com
We interviewed David Elliot-Jones, the writer/producer of the Big in Japan documentary. He tells us why he went to Japan with two of his friends (Lachlan Mcleod: Director, Louis Dai: Editor) to "do anything he could to become famous." Everybody thinks they can become famous in Japan. Find out the truth of it all in this interview.
2018-10-021h 07The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageGanbaru: Do Your Best to Listen to This PodcastFor more, check out our article on ganbaru: https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/ganbaru/
"Do your best!" "Hang in there!" "FIGHT!"
The Japanese verb 頑張る has a wide variety of English translations, and that's because it's such a nuanced word. Depending on how you say it and who you say it to, it could be an encouragement or a real downer.
The Tofugu team sat down to discuss the definitions, translations, and our personal feeling about this complex word. And we really got into the weeds (societally speaking) when Michael, Mami, and Kanae navigate the sometimes-oppressive feeling ganbaru can carry.
2018-09-1949 minThe Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageHow to Use ~san, ~kun, ~sama, and All the Other Japanese Honorific Name EndersYou may already know that, in Japanese, you add a polite little something at the end of someone’s name: ~san, ~sama, ~chan, ~kun… actually, there are lot more honorific name enders than that. And there are a lot of rules for using them correctly, too.
The Tofugu team discusses seven common names enders and how to use them, not to mention nine historical/obscure name enders that are good to know.
For more honorific goodness, check out the article we wrote, Listenerさん: https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/name-enders/
2018-08-211h 03The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageRendaku: Why it's HITOBITO and not HITOHITOHave you ever wondered why 人々 is ひとびと and not ひとひと, or even ひとぴと? Or why it’s てがみ instead of てかみ, or くさばな and not くさはな?
It’s all because of a little thing called rendaku, or “sequential voicing,” which we talk about in this episode. While most Japanese teachers will just say, “it’s a mystery,” we’ll teach you the rules that make things rendaku or not, and the exceptions in between.
Of course, we couldn’t explain EVERYTHING. For that, you’ll have to jump over to our very in-depth rendaku article on Tofugu: https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/rendaku
2018-08-141h 18The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageCounting in Japanese with Your Karate Teacher Sensei JeffHi, it's me, Sensei Jeff. I'm here to teach all you white belts how to count in Japanese. Punch! Punch! Punch!
(Actually, we teach you how to count from zero to uh... a mysterious number. And, we teach you how to count in the Japanese style, rather than the Chinese style that's more common. It's a pretty neat episode, despite sounding so basic. Read more about it in our article!)
https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/counting-in-japanese
Featuring: Koichi, Michael, and Mami (for the first time!)
2018-07-301h 03The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageJapanese Whisky (ft. Brian Ashcraft)Get Brian's Book, Japanese Whisky: The Ultimate Guide to the World's Most Desirable Spirit → https://amzn.to/2NAEqPR
Michael and Koichi interview Brian Ashcraft–author of several Japan-related books–about his latest book, Japanese Whisky: The Ultimate Guide to the World's Most Desirable Spirit. He tells us what makes Japanese whisky "Japanese" as well as what a whisky rookie should try first (and where to get it).
2018-07-2450 minThe Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageO Genki Desu Ka?Read more about Genki:
http://www.tofugu.com/japanese/genki-meaning/
Everyone learns "o genki desu ka" when they begin their Japanese language education. But the truth is real people don't say it that much. So, how do you ACTUALLY use genki? We cover genki's use cases, its history, etymology, and more.
2018-07-101h 08The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese Languageちょっと, a Little Word That Means a LotRead more about ちょっと in our article:
http://www.tofugu.com/japanese/chotto/
We talk about ちょっと. At first it seems like a simple, little word. But, it actually has many meanings and ways to use it. We cover most of them, I think.
2018-06-131h 01The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageWays to Improve Your Japanese PronunciationIn this episode we get into Japanese pronunciation.
Whether you are a beginner, advanced, or fluent, you'll find something in this episode that will help you to improve your pronunciation.
To read more, check out our (really in-depth) guide:
https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/japanese-pronunciation/
2018-05-231h 10The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageGetting Into 込む Compound VerbsPrefer reading instead? We wrote a whole article about this (even more example sentences included!)
https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/komu-compound-verbs
Have you ever seen the Japanese verb 込む? On its own, it means "to be packed" or "to be crowded." But, this verb is also used in compound verbs... 255+ of them, in fact! You may have seen examples of this in your studies: 入り込む, 切り込む, 駆け込む, the list goes on and on. The problem is, the way that 込む affects the first verb (we'll call that V1) differs from word to word. In this podcast, we explore those inconsistencies, coming up with four "rules" you can follow to figure out the...
2018-05-151h 26The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguagePodcast Updates! New Season and Secret Guests!The Tofugu Podcast is taking a break for a couple of weeks while we prepare Season 2 of our prolific podcast and interview a special guest that is near and dear to our hearts!
2018-04-0207 minThe Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageHow to Lead a Group of Friends Around JapanTraveling around Japan in a large group (10 or more) may seem impossible. But let me tell you, friends, it is very possible.
In fact, the Tofugu team recently went on a trip to Japan organized and led by our very own Koichi. In this episode, he tells you how he planned an weeklong international trip for 15 people. He got everything together, led everyone around, made sure everyone was taken care of—all with zero mishaps.
If you dream of showing your friends Japan, listen to this episode so you can have a successful, enjoyable friend-cation.
2018-03-201h 10The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageWhite Day, Japan's Sequel to Valentine's DayValentine's Day 2: PAYBACK!
That should be the name of "White Day," Japan's sequel to Valentine's Day, which is exactly one month later, on March 14.
But what does one do on White Day, exactly? All the gifts has been given. All the love received. What's left?
Boy howdy, to understand what's going on, Koichi, Kanae, and Michael discuss how Japan's Valentine's and White Days work in tandem to create one-two marketing punch that'll embiggen your waistline and ensmallen your wallet.
2018-03-1348 minThe Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageStories from Translating Final Fantasy X feat. Alex O. SmithFriend of the podcast, Alex O Smith returns! After two decades translating video games (including many Final Fantasies), Alex has accumulated quite a few stories from inside the Japanese video game industry. Some of his excellent tales include:
- The incredibly insane task of voicing every line of dialogue in Final Fantasy X.
- How he basically didn't sleep for two months.
- Hanging out with smokers to gain allies at Squaresoft.
- How he learned to compromise with big budget directors.
- And more! (Including his thoughts on Persona 5).
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Read Alex’s wisdom from the first episode: https://tf...
2018-03-061h 27The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageHow to Make Friends in JapanIt's tough making friends in a new place. Different people have different ways of going about it. Throw in a culture and language barrier and it can be downright frustrating.
For these reasons and more, visitors and new residents to Japan often worry about making friends. That's why the Tofugu Team got together with returning co-host Kanae (she's back!) to discuss the best ways to meet people and start friendships in Japan.
2018-02-2757 minThe Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageThe Absolute BEST Japanese Learning Resources from 2017Read the series: https://tfg.li/2oM5rYr
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After a year of collecting the best Japanese learning resources every month and delivering them straight to your eyeballs, Tofugu sits down to discuss which study tools are the best of the best.
We divided all the resources into six categories. Then each host (Koichi, Michael, and Kristen) picked their favs before battling it out on the podcast field! Actually, they discussed it pretty civilly, but the result is the same: you now have a definitive list of THE BEST Japanese learning resources from 2017. If you’re having trouble sticking to yo...
2018-01-291h 47The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageHow to Get a Job at a Japanese Video Game Company feat. Ben JuddIf you want to find your way into the Japanese video game industry, there's no better example we can point to than Ben Judd, a Capcom veteran responsible for giving Phoenix Wright his English voice.
But we'll do you one better than just "pointing to him." We TALKED with him for over an hour about his experience breaking into Japanese work culture, establishing himself in the video game industry, and becoming a driving force in game production.
In this interview, Ben reveals some secrets to dealing with finicky Nintendo, the advantages of working in Osaka rather than Tokyo, and how...
2018-01-221h 27The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageTips on Passing the JET Program InterviewLearn how to ace the JET Program interview with our complete guide:
https://tfg.li/2dgr4vm
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If you want to live and work in Japan, the JET Program is one of the best ways to do it. But it's a competitive program that requires you pass a high-stress, high stakes interview with three people grilling you for thirty minutes.
That's why we talked with someone who has passed an interview AND run JET interviews for four years.
It's actually Tofugu's own Michael! In this episode, he and Koichi discuss strategies to prepare you for the JET Program interview...
2018-01-161h 10The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageAnswering Your Own Questions About Japanese"Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he'll stop emailing you about free fish." - Koichi (probably)
Learning Japanese on your own can be challenging. Especially when you need clarification about abstract concepts, how to pronounce kanji, and how native speakers use certain words. We're here to show you that you can answer your specific questions about Japanese.
Kristen and Michael discuss different methods to answering questions that will arise while studying Japanese. We also dive into why a certain resource works well and how you can best improve...
2017-12-261h 00The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageLearning Japanese and Secret Ways to Visit Japan: Advice from Loretta "Kemushichan"YouTuber Loretta "Kemushichan" has been making videos about Japan and the Japanese language for over 10 years now. And because of her expertise, we asked her to write an article for us (which you can read here: https://tfg.li/2C46DcV) and invited her on the Tofugu Podcast to drop some knowledge bombs.
Knowledge bombs liiiiiiike...
- The secrets she used to discover hidden exchange programs and other free ways to live in or visit Japan.
- The study methods she used to get her spoken Japanese sounding fluent.
- The problems Japanese small businesses are having with their tourism...
2017-12-111h 11The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageTofugu Answers 50 of YOUR Questions: The Tofugu Podcast 50th Episode SpecialWe’ve been doing this Tofugu Podcast thing for 50 episodes now (hooray!) so we decided to celebrate by answering listener questions.
We asked you for your most burning questions and you sent us a ton! We picked the 50 best and sat down to answer them all in one fantastic podcast episode.
I’m sure after this, all your questions about Japan, Japanese language, and Tofugu will be answered forever. Sure, this means the end of the Tofugu Podcast, but that’s a small price to pay for unlimited knowledge, right?
Just kidding. We’re never gonna stop this podcast train.
2017-11-131h 17The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageVisiting Tokyo’s Festival and Drum MuseumRead more about Japanese festivals here: https://tfg.li/2hb8Fij
There’s nothing better than a Japanese festival. Drums, mikoshi, dancing, food. It’s a magical experience.
But Japanese festivals don’t just "happen." They take a lot of hard work and equipment. And some of the best festival equipment comes from a 150 year old shop in Tokyo called Miyamoto Unosuke.
This shop is one of the top suppliers of festival gear in Japan. And if you love intricately carved portable shrines inlaid with gold as much as we do, this place is for you.
And for only ¥500, you can als...
2017-11-0722 minThe Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageTofugu’s Favorite Japanese Ghosts and MonstersRead more: https://tfg.li/2A1ph47
Yokai is Japan’s category for monsters, ghosts, demons, and pretty much any spooky or fantastic creature you can think of. And there are hundreds upon hundreds of fun yokai to learn about.
With Halloween on the way, Michael and Kristen discuss their eight favorite Japanese ghouls; some terrifying, some creepy, and some just plain weird. Turn down the lights, light some candles, and settle in for some unsettling Japanese ghosts and monsters.
2017-10-301h 04The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageOur Favorite Japanese Learning Resources from Tofugu’s "What I Use to Study Japanese" Article SeriesSince March, we’ve been publishing articles in a series called "What I Use to Study Japanese" (you can read them all here: https://tfg.li/2h3u8Kr). In each article, a Japanese language learner tells us what they use to study and the methods they followed to get the language ability they have today.
Over the past seven articles, we’ve seen patterns, techniques, and resources that helped us look at learning Japanese in new ways. In this episode, the Tofugu team shares their thoughts on the series and what tools and methods you should you use in your...
2017-10-231h 21
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageWhat's the Difference Between On'yomi and Kun'yomi Kanji?Read the article: https://tfg.li/2wMOjkR
This is maybe the most frustrating aspect of studying kanji. You start learning 山 as やま. Cool, one kanji memorized. Wait... it can also be read as さん.
Wait. All your other kanji have 2 or 4 extra readings too! Some are on'yomi. Some are kun'yomi.
Why does this have to be so complicated?!
It may seem confusing at first, but if you learn the difference between on'yomi/kun'yomi readings, where they came from, and how they work, we promise it will make learning kanji a lot easier.
Listen to this kanji-tastic episode where Kristen explains all this and more...
2017-09-231h 36
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageWhat to Do with One Day in TokyoGet your ideal day itinerary here: https://tfg.li/2fbRsb4
Oh no! The Tofugu Team has been kidnapped by Elon Musk and flown in his spaceship to Japan. He doesn't know how to have fun as a human, so he's forcing Koichi, Kanae, and Michael to show him what they would do with one day in Tokyo.
If you're in Tokyo for a short visit, you can get some sweet travel tips from the team as they move from place to place, Elon Musk trailing slowly behind. Exciting destinations like:
- A restaurant that serves shaved ice made with water...
2017-09-161h 15
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageWe Rented a Japanese Homeless ManIn Japan last year, we rented a homeless person. Now, before you get angry at us for doing something terrible, listen to the podcast. It's not as ominous as it sounds.
We wrote about this experience, too. If you want to read Homeless Kotani's story, you can do it here:
http://www.tofugu.com/interviews/homeless-rental-kotani/
Be sure to subscribe to the Tofugu Podcast on iTunes or wherever podcasts go to die.
iTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcast
Google Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay
2017-09-081h 05
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageThe Japanese Craft Beer Movement feat. Beer TengokuGet more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty
If you've ever had beer in Japan, you probably know that there are only four of them: Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo, and Yebisu. But, there is a beer movement going on. Japanese craft beers are making a comeback in a big way. We talked to Beer Tengoku, a duo of professional Japanese craft beer drinkers (hey guys, the first step is admitting you have a problem), about the best and worst craft beers in Japan, and where to get them. Also, there was a blue beer. That was weird.
Be sure to...
2017-09-011h 07
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageDo You Need to Go to Japan to Study "Real" Martial Arts? Feat. Guillaume ErardGet more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty
A lot of world famous martial arts started in Japan: Karate, Judo, Kendo, Jujutsu, and especially Aikido. But if you really want to study one of these fighting arts properly, like for real, you have to move to Japan and practice it there.
Right? Maybe not.
This week, we talked to Guillame Erard who has been practicing Aikido for 30 years. He moved to Japan just to study Aikido and has taught students all over the world. He breaks down the pros and cons of studying martial arts in Japan, as well...
2017-08-251h 20
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageHow to Become a TV Star in Japan feat. Matthew ChozickGet more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty
It’s totally possible for you, a foreigner, to move to Japan and become a TV star. That’s exactly what happened to our guest this week, Matt Chozick, who has appeared weekly on one of Japan’s biggest variety shows for the past five years.
But he gets to be where he is because of all the Japanese practice he put in (and a generous portion of luck).
Learn how you can follow Matthew’s method to learn Japanese IN JAPAN! FOR FREE! And when we say "learn Japanese" we mean "le...
2017-08-181h 25
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageDo You Have What It Takes to Be a Freelance Japanese Translator? feat. Nora Stevens HeathGet more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty
If you want to translate video games and anime, you’ll probably have to work freelance. That means no 9–5, no benefits. You’ll be working weekends and rushing work to your clients.
That’s been the experience of our guest this week, Nora Stevens Heath, and she's loving every minute of it.
Nora has translated A+ titles like Kingdom Hearts 2, Your Name, Assassination Classroom, and Mario Kart DS.
Listen to our conversation with Nora and find out if you have what it takes to translate games and manga professionally. You’ll learn what...
2017-08-1158 min
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageWhen you go to Japan, Don't Make Any PlansGet more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty
If you're having a hard time planning your trip to Japan, then don't! You can avoid all that stress of fitting everything into your schedule and trying to see the best spots by simply avoiding the planning. Taking the road less traveled can yield a more authentic experience and is a sure cure for the itch of adventure.
This week Koichi, fresh off a trip from Japan, and Michael sit down to discuss the joys in exploring Japan with limited or no itinerary. They give you insight on why traveling free...
2017-08-0450 min
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageThe 5 Best Japanese Learning Resources of 2017 (So Far)In January 2017, Tofugu started collecting the best, newest Japanese learning resources each month and reviewing them in a series (which you can read here: https://tfg.li/jlr2017).
It's been six months since we started, and we've collected 32 new resources. Now it's time to reveal the best of the best! In this episode, Kristen tells you her 5 absolute favorite resources. As Tofugu's translator, she knows what it takes to study faster, better, and stronger.
So if your progress is stuttering, listen to this podcast to discover new Japanese study tools that will get you back on your feet and running...
2017-07-281h 08
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageIs the JET Program Right for You?Get more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty
The JET Program recruits hundreds of new English teachers every year to live and work in Japan. You could be one of them.
But before you apply, there are some things to consider. What is the salary like? What are the benefits? Do you get any support? And most importantly, what is living in Japan REALLY like?
Jamal asks Michael, a former JET ALT and current President of JET Alumni Association in Portland, all these questions and more (a lot more).
The JET Program isn’t for everyone, but it could be...
2017-07-211h 34
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageHow to Protect Yourself from Japan's "Black Companies"To learn more about Japanese black companies, check out our article on Tofugu: https://tfg.li/2v0V0jv
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Do you want to work in Japan? Sure, we all do. But before you take that sweet new job with the Tokyo semiconductor conglomerate, maybe you should do some research to find out if it's a...
BLACK COMPANY! (dun dun dun)
"Black company" is the name Japanese people give to companies that are not so great to work for. Sexual harassment, unpaid overtime, required alcohol consumption, bullying; you name and a black company does it (to you).
Kanae, our current...
2017-07-151h 19
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageWhat Can You Do With a B.A. in Japanese Studies? Feat. ShinpaiDeshouGet more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty
This week, Michael and Koichi discuss career opportunities in Japanese Studies with Shinpai Deshou blog founder, Paula Curtis. Paula is well acquainted with the academic and professional aspects of Japanese Studies and dedicates her time in assisting others to further their careers along with contributors to the blog.
Discussed in the episode:
- What Japanese Studies entails
- Options after getting your B.A.
- Resources on finding and landing a career
- Integrating secondary skills into your career hunt
You can hear more from Paula at:
Shinapi Deshou: shinpaideshou.wordpress...
2017-07-0758 min
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageCan You Live off Japanese Vending Machines for One Year?Get more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty
What if you were forced to live using ONLY Japanese vending products for one whole year?
Impossible, right? Maybe not.
Koichi, Kanae, and Michael answer this question as they live through the scenario, step-by-step. Follow their journey from naked in Narita airport to living like royalty on the bounty of Japan’s vending services.
After listening to this podcast, you’ll know every kind of Japanese vending machine there is, as well as WHY there are so many vending machines in Japan. And on your next trip, you’ll be able to enj...
2017-06-301h 11
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageTofugu Answers Your Weird Japan Questions: Volume OneGet more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty
For the first time ever, members of the Tofugu staff sit around and answer your Japanese language, living, and visiting questions. We answer questions like:
- Are the Yakuza dangerous?
- How old do you have to be to be an ALT through JET?
- Should you go to a nomikai even if you don't drink alcohol?
- Have we ever eaten Crayons?
- Should someone live in Japan for six months or twelve?
- And more? Probably? We didn't check carefully, so there are probably more questions that I didn't...
2017-06-2357 min
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageWhere to Stay in Japan When You Don't Stay in a HotelGet more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty
Hotels are easy, comfortable, and consistent. But did you know that there are other--sometimes odd--places that you can spend the night? Michael and Koichi talk about their experiences staying in love hotels, capsule hotels, manga cafes, business hotels, ryokans, hostels, and more. Be sure to stay in one of the places if you can. They're experiences worth trying (and much cheaper than hotels usually, too)!
iTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcast
Google Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay
2017-06-1640 min
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageThe Efficiency Myth (and How Japanese Resources Fake Efficiency)Get more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty
There's a good chance that you're using a Japanese resource that's merely tricking you into thinking you're being efficient. These companies make more money, and you get a false sense of "feeling good" and "feeling like you're making progress." In actuality, you aren't learning nearly as effectively as you could be, not to mention efficiently!
In this episode, Michael and Koichi argue that actual efficiency has more to do with "creating the right kind of suffering" in your Japanese studies. They also talk about which popular Japanese learning tools actually help...
2017-06-0949 min
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageA Food Itinerary for Your Japanese VacationGet more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty
Visiting Japan and don't know what to eat? Sushi and ramen are great, but you don't want to spend your vacation eating the same things every day. That's why Michael and Kanae discuss their favorite Japanese foods (and where to find them), so you can step off the plane ready to eat.
Whether you're a picky eater to the steel-stomached vacuum, this podcast has something for everyone.
Oh, and if you think you've tried everything Japan has to offer, Kanae has a special list of "adventurous" foods you've definitely (probably) not...
2017-06-0256 min
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageWhere Does All This Free Manga Come From? Feat. Kewl0210Get more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty
This week, Koichi and Michael chat with Kewl0210, a manga scanlator. For those who don't know, a scanlator is a person who scans, translates, and uploads manga online for free. This practice is highly controversial in the translation community and technically illegal.
Michael and Koichi discuss the many facets of this practice, including:
- How to learn Japanese through scanlation
- Where scanlators source their manga
- How they choose which manga to scanlate
- Why they're faster than the pros
- Bitter scanlation group rivalries
For more from Kewl0210:
http://hi...
2017-05-261h 17
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageThe Tofugu Team's Top Onsen ExperiencesGet more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty
In this episode, Michael, Koichi, and Kristen talk about their top onsen experiences. We discuss our initial impressions with onsen, how their first time getting naked in front of a bunch of people went, break down some myths and fears surrounding onsen, and even talk about monkey poop.
Learn why Koichi thinks public onsen are better, nobody cares if you're naked, and how Michael almost became an internet celebrity for his "buns".
2017-04-2836 min
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageWhy You Should Go To Japan Instead of Taking a Japanese ClassFind us at: www.tofugu.com/
This week Koichi and Michael discuss the advantages of going to Japan to learn Japanese rather than spend time and money in a classroom. They offer practical advice for making your trip to Japan an impactful learning experience and a fun, long-lasting memory.
Topics include:
- One (basically) free trick to get a ton of random Japanese people to talk to you, in Japanese, so you can have non-stop conversation practice while in Japan.
- When to get the really cheap airplane tickets to Japan.
- Getting over your fear of talking to strangers...
2017-04-0753 min
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageHow to Taste Sake feat. SakéOneGet more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty
Strap in, folks. This is a long one. We invited Jack and David from SakéOne, a local sake brewery in Oregon, to come to the Tofugu office so we could learn how to taste sake. And boy, did we taste some sake. They brought six bottles, three domestic and three imported, and drank our way to knowledge about the sake brewing process, different types of sake, and how Michael is actually a grain of rice.
Here's some things you'll learn in today's episode:
- How sake is made
- Why s...
2017-03-242h 16
The Inside Japan PodcastALTI100!: 100th Episode Hype + Koichi from Tofugu.comStarted from the bottom and now we're here. 100 episodes. A whole lot has changed in my life since 2015, (3 moves, 2 kids, and no more teaching) but the podcast remains. I raise my glass to every listener and here's to 100 more.
The epic 100th episode needed an epic guest, so huge thanks for Koichi from Tofugu for awesomely filling that role. We talk about all about him, why he dug Japan, and the birth and future of Tofugu.com.
Enjoy!
Right click here to download the MP3
[Follow ALT...
2017-03-1740 min
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageGetting your Gambling on in JapanGet more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty
In this episode, Michael and Koichi talk to Kanae the intern about the incredible gambling expertise she amassed from the one game of Hanafuda she played against her grandpa. They discuss the history of gambling in Japan, all the various Japanese chance games, and the future of gambling under PM Abe's new gambling law.
Take a chance on us. You won't regret it. Unless you lose. Which you won't. Because you're listening to us.
iTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcast
Google Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay
2017-03-031h 04
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageThe Underground Japanese Music Scene feat. Ian F. MartinGet more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty
Michael and Jamal sit down to talk with music journalist and label owner, Ian F. Martin, about the Japanese underground rock scene as detailed in his new book “Quit Your Band!”.
As a journalist, Ian has written for presitgious publications such as The Guardian and The Japan Times, is an avid blogger and has been in the Japanese underground music scene for 10+ years. As a label owner, he is able to offer a unique insight into both sides of the music scene in Japan as a member of the media and a pa...
2017-02-2445 min
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageWhat Makes a Good Japanese Translator? feat. Alexander O. SmithMichael and Kristen talk with veteran video game translator Alexander O. Smith about the essential elements of good translation, especially when it comes to video games.
Alex has worked on such hit games as Final Fantasy X, Final Fantasy XII, and Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney. From these experiences, he's gained a lot of insight into what makes a good translation (and what makes a bad translation).
If you're thinking of pursuing a career in video game localization, pay attention to what Alex has to say. You'll need more than just amazing Japanese ability. There are many more elements that go...
2017-02-1755 min
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageHow to Get the Most Out of Your ALT Life in Japan feat. James from ALT InsiderGet more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty
Koichi and Michael talk with James, founder of http://www.altinsider.com/ to find out what it takes to get the most out of your life in Japan.
James was an ALT in Japan for 8 years. During his time teaching English, he hit a wall and started to feel burned out. Classes were repetitive and he needed a change. So he MADE a change.
On this episode, James shares the strategies he developed to turn his team-teaching life around. After he started using these tips in his daily life, work became...
2017-02-1024 min
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageJoining STU48, Japan's New Seafaring Idol GroupGet more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty
Japan's most popular idol group, AKB48, has just launched a new sister-group called STU48. What makes this new sister-group different from the many, many, many, many, many others? This one is performs only on the sea. That's right, we finally get a maritime idol group.
Michael and Koichi are joined by Kanae the intern to discuss the impact this has on the nation. Shiver ye timbers and batten down the glowsticks. It's time to kind of rock out to a new kind of sea shanty.
iTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcast
Google...
2017-02-0328 min
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageTraveling as a Vegetarian in JapanGet more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty
Tofugu's own Kristen traveled to Japan recently, but there was one problem: she's a vegetarian. You'd think Japan would be a veggie-friendly country, but no. Learn all about the trials and triumphs of travel in Japan as a vegetarian. It can be done, just take Kristen's advice and prep for yourself for the vegetarian wasteland.
Happy Cow: https://www.happycow.net/
Printable Cards: http://www.justhungry.com/japan-dining-out-cards
Notes: The movie Kristen talks about in the podcast where Ken Watanabe is a truck drive is called "Welcome Back, Mr. McDonald" https...
2017-02-0228 min
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageHow To Get a Job in Japan feat. Peter LacknerGet more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty
We talk to Peter Lackner--who runs jobsinjapan.com--about how to find a job in Japan. Turns out, Peter knows how to make it happen, no matter who you are (and how much education you have).
Get a job in Japan: https://jobsinjapan.com
DISCLAIMER: About a year after this podcast posted, Peter wrote back to us to let us know JESP, J-Wave, and WaveUSA aren't great programs and actually have been up to some shady business he didn't know about at the time of this recording. So he rescinds his endorsement...
2017-01-2739 min
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageSpecial Ep: I Like OJ FancastGet more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty
If you don't know what Pikotaro's I Like OJ is all about, hold onto your butts (and watch this): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCIfjcc8J2M
You back? Good. Because so are Pikotaro superfans Koichi and Michael, and they're here to help you understand why the new song by the PPAP singer/songwriter is his best yet. It may even change the way you live your life (not to mention your vocabulary).
iTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcast
Google Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay
2017-01-2605 min
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageTransitive and Intransitive Verbs in Japanese feat. KristenWe talk to Tofugu translator Kristen about the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs. This concept trips up a lot of Japanese learners. Even people who think they know how transitivity pairs work in Japanese, they don't really. Kristen helps you understand transitive/intransitive verbs once and for all.
iTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcast
Google Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay
2017-01-2029 min
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageSpecial Ep: PPAP FancastGet more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty
The Tofugu Podcast becomes the PPAP Fancast. Sorry guys, we had a good run as Tofugu, but we're switching to strictly PPAP-related content from here on out. Get up-to-date news, information, and analysis on the forever-classic internet song, Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen.
iTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcast
Google Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay
2016-12-2205 min
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageThe Legend of Japanese JesusFind us at: https://www.tofugu.com/
There's a secret history of Jesus that even Dan Brown doesn't know about. It's the legend of Japanese Jesus. You see, he didn't die on the cross. Oh no, sir. He went on an amazing journey and wound up in Japan.
Find out all about Jesus' amazing adventure and secret Japanese life on the Tofugu podcast. And when you're done, read the article here: https://tfg.li/japanesejesus
iTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcast
Google Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay
2016-12-2209 min
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageRobot Restaurant, the Second Greatest Show on EarthGet more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty
Beep boop. We are transmitting from the future, where all restaurants have become Robot Restaurant. Sure, Japan's Robot Restaurant is a fantastic show filled with music, lights, dancing, and robots, but the food is terrible. And since it's become every restaurant on earth, we are living a food nightmare (albeit an incredibly entertaining food nightmare).
Come with us on a journey, as young Koichi and Michael recount their first experiences with the famous Robot Restaurant.
iTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcast
Google Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay
2016-12-2217 min
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageChristmas in Japan and How to Celebrate It RightGet more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty
Merry Christmas! Tofugu brings you a special holiday-themed podcast episode, where you can learn everything there is to know about Japanese Christmas. If you want to celebrate the holiday in Japan, you best learn a thing or two about KFC, cake, boots, and more.
Plus we learn some surprising revelations about Santa's political views.
Read all about Japanese Christmas in our article: https://tfg.li/christmasinjapan
iTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcast
Google Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay
2016-12-2215 min
The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese LanguageTsujigiri, the Japanese Word for "Cutting Someone Down to Test a New Sword"Learn more about Tsujigiri: https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/tsujigiri/
Tsujigiri is a Japanese word that describes some grisly samurai tomfoolery. Find out what this word means, where it came from, and what happened to people who did tsujigiri as a pastime (sick monsters!).
We also made a video about Tsujigiri: https://tfg.li/tsujigirivid
iTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcast
Google Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay
2016-12-2018 min