Learning with YouTube and Drama! The best guide to learning Japanese for foreigners
Are you a foreigner struggling to learn Japanese? Naturally, learning a new language is quite a challenge. However, there is a way to make the process fun and effective. That is "learning Japanese using YouTube and dramas!
This article provides the best resources for learning Japanese from all angles, from visual to auditory, and details everything from popular YouTube channels to Japanese dramas that are well known for their ease of learning, with plenty of examples. Take your Japanese language study a step further with this easy-to-understand, fun, and practical approach to learning.
YouTube Channel Guide for Learning Japanese
YouTube offers not only entertainment, but also a wealth of educational resources. For Japanese language learners in particular, YouTube is extremely valuable as a learning tool. This article introduces some recommended YouTube channels to aid Japanese language learning.
1. beginner channel
Sanbon Juku.
Sanbon Juku" is a Japanese language education channel by Akki-san, targeting beginner to intermediate level learners of Japanese. He teaches Japanese grammar and vocabulary to viewers in an easy-to-understand manner.
Meshclass Japanese
Meshclass Japanese" clearly explains Japanese words and expressions whose differences are difficult to understand. The many visual explanations make it easy for beginners to understand.
2. intermediate channel
Japanese language forest."
Japanese Language Forest" is a YouTube channel for intermediate to advanced learners of Japanese, where many international exchange videos are posted as well as grammar explanation videos.
BUTASAGI
Although this is a Japanese language learning channel for Spanish speakers in Butasagi, it is also useful for intermediate learners because the videos and explanations are very detailed and there are many concrete examples.
3. advanced channel
Japasta."
Japasta" is a Japanese language teaching style channel, with much of its content geared toward advanced learners. It is especially recommended for those who want to learn business Japanese or specialized expressions.
Learn Japanese with JapanesePod101.com
Learn Japanese with JapanesePod101.com" will help you improve your Japanese conversation skills. You can also learn about Japanese culture and society.
4. for those who want to learn grammar
Kosenda-style Japanese language classes
The "Kosenda-Style Japanese Language Class" provides detailed explanations of Japanese grammar. Many of the videos are in question-and-answer format, making them suitable for self-study.
Kira Sensei teaches everyone Japanese."
Minna no Nihongo Taught by Kira Sensei" explains the grammar items in the textbook "Minna no Nihongo" using Spanish. It is especially useful for those who are studying using the textbook.
5. for those who want to practice conversation
International University of Japan
The "International University of Japan" Japanese learning videos are designed for beginners of the Japanese language, allowing students to learn conversational interactions through story-based videos.
Escucha japones, Japanese for listening.
Escucha japones Listen to Japanese" is a fun way to listen to and repeatedly practice everyday conversation to a lively rhythm.
6. channel for teachers
Momoko, a Japanese language teacher.
The "[Become a Japanese teacher] Momoko" channel is aimed at people who want to become Japanese language teachers and helps them prepare for the Japanese Language Teaching Proficiency Test (JLPT).
Nomadic Japanese teacher, Hama.
Nomadic Japanese Teachers' Hama provides information for teachers, including advice for Japanese language teachers and news about the Japanese language education industry.
7. online lessons
Akki's online lessons.
Akki-san's Online Lesson" is an online lesson provided by Akki-san of the YouTube channel "Sanbon Juku. The lessons are mainly for Japanese language learners.
Chaso Blog
The "Chaso Blog" also provides information, teaching materials, and class-related information for online Japanese language teachers.
8. channels for qualification
The Japanese Journal.
The Japanese Journal provides information on how to become a Japanese language teacher. In particular, it has many videos about the Japanese Language Teaching Proficiency Test (JLPT), which are useful for those seeking certification.
Japanese Language Teacher Career Magazine
Japanese-Language Teaching Career Magazine" explains how Japanese-language teachers work and the benefits of using YouTube to disseminate information.
9. listening practice
Langholic!"
Langholic!" is an iOS application that provides listening practice using YouTube videos. It is useful for practicing listening to Japanese pronunciation.
International University of Japan
The aforementioned "International University" video provides listening practice through realistic everyday conversations.
Recommended Dramas for Learning Japanese and How to Use Them
For learners of Japanese, drama is not only entertainment, but also an excellent learning tool.
In this issue, we will discuss in detail the recommended dramas for Japanese language study and how to make the most of them.
1. advantages of drama study
The advantages of using drama to learn Japanese are manifold. Some of the main advantages are listed below.
(1) Learn practical conversation.
Because dramas often depict everyday life, students can learn Japanese expressions and phrases that are actually used in real life. In particular, dramas that focus on school, work, and family life feature a wealth of everyday conversation.
(2) Understand pronunciation and intonation.
In the drama, you can listen to the actual audio of Japanese people speaking. This allows for a visual understanding of correct pronunciation, intonation, and mouth movements.
(iii) Learn about the cultural background
Because the dramas reflect the cultural context, viewers can learn about Japanese culture and society. They can understand not only the language, but also Japanese customs, practices, and values.
2. how to learn Japanese using drama
Here are some effective ways to use drama to learn Japanese.
(1) Utilize subtitles
If you are starting Japanese language study with a drama for the first time, it is a good idea to choose a drama with Japanese subtitles. By watching with subtitles, you will be able to understand words and phrases that are difficult to understand.
(2) Practice lines from the drama
By practicing the lines of the drama by saying them out loud yourself, you can learn Japanese pronunciation and intonation. Also, by actually speaking the language yourself, you will deepen your understanding.
(3) Look up words you didn't catch.
If you encounter words or phrases that you did not catch while watching a drama, it is important to pause and look them up. This will allow you to expand your new vocabulary.
3. drama recommended for learning Japanese
Below is a list of recommended dramas for Japanese language study. Each drama covers a different theme or genre, allowing students to study Japanese at their own level.
Drama for beginner level
For beginner-level learners of Japanese, we recommend dramas that focus on simple daily conversation.
- ."It's human nature to be ashamed to run away but it's useful."
▶︎ depicts contemporary Japanese views of marriage, love, and social life, and contains a wealth of basic Japanese expressions to help students deepen their understanding of everyday conversation. - ."juvenile."
▶︎ It tells the story of a young woman who moves from the countryside to the city, and is rich with conversations about everyday life. - ."Tokyo Love Story."
▶︎ The film portrays young people living in Tokyo and provides an opportunity to learn about Japanese culture and social issues.
These dramas feature many basic conversational expressions and scenes from everyday life.
Drama for intermediate level
For intermediate level learners of Japanese, we recommend dramas with more complex expressions and specialized topics.
- ."downtown rocket."
▶︎ This drama depicts the challenges and innovations of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and provides a deeper understanding of Japanese business culture and social issues. - ."quartet."
▶︎ Learn everyday conversation in this drama about four men and women living together and their various relationships and emotions. - ."red string (traditionally fated lovers are joined by this unseen string, tied around one little finger of each)."
▶︎ This drama depicts Japanese love culture and adolescence, with many realistic phrases commonly used in daily conversation, allowing students to learn emotional expressions of Japanese youth.
These dramas also deal with business conversation, Japanese culture, and social issues.
[Drama for advanced level
For advanced level learners of Japanese, we recommend dramas that delve deeply into difficult expressions and specialized topics.
- ."Love Shuffle."
▶︎ This drama skillfully depicts the complexities of love and relationships. For advanced-level learners, it will further deepen their understanding of Japanese romantic and social life. - ."JIN."
▶︎ The special setting of the end of the Edo period, the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate, includes a lot of archaic and historical expressions. This allows for a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and history for advanced level learners. - ."Confidence Man JP."
▶︎ portrays contemporary Japanese society and human relationships through thrilling and humorous storytelling. It includes a wide range of expressions, from everyday conversation to specialized expressions, to strengthen the vocabulary of advanced learners.
These dramas deal with specialized vocabulary, challenging expressions, and abstract topics.
4. use of drama distribution services
Today, there are many drama streaming services that allow you to watch your favorite dramas anytime and anywhere. Below are some of the drama streaming services that are useful for learning Japanese.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is another distribution service that offers many movies and dramas. It also offers a wide selection of Japanese dramas, with Japanese subtitles available for some titles.
U-NEXT
U-NEXT is a distribution service that allows you to watch Japanese dramas as well as anime and movies. It is also possible to view subtitles and switch between audio languages.
▶︎ Free trial is now available! ＜U-NEXT
Netflix
Netflix is a popular distribution service that offers movies and dramas from around the world. Many Japanese dramas are also available, and you can choose subtitles and audio language.
▶︎ Netflix
summary
YouTube is an effective learning tool for Japanese language learners, allowing them to study by level, from beginner to advanced, and by objective, such as grammar, conversation, and listening. There are also many channels for teachers, which provide useful information for Japanese language education.
And learning Japanese through drama is an effective way to acquire practical vocabulary and expressions while having fun. From beginner to advanced levels, choose a drama suitable for your level and use it to learn Japanese.
Japanese YouTube dramas will continue to be an important partner in learning Japanese. Let's continue learning while having fun.
