How to Japanese Podcast

How to Japanese Podcast

Author: Daniel Morales Language: English Episodes: 79
Ever feel like you're navigating the complexities of the Japanese language alone? How to Japanese Podcast offers a sense of guidance, that experienced voice you wish you had. Host Daniel Morales, the mind behind HowToJapanese.com, acts as that digital mentor, drawing from his own journey and conversations with others who've walked the path. This isn't about dry grammar drills; it's a collection of lived experiences. You'll hear from guests who share the practical strategies that actually worked for them, whether they were studying textbooks, navigating daily life in Tokyo, or using Japanese in a professional setting abroad. Each episode feels like a candid chat with a knowledgeable friend who gets the specific frustrations and triumphs of learning this language. The focus is on the real-world application-how people have moved from theory to conversation, from confusion to clarity. Tune into this podcast for honest reflections on what makes the process stick, finding motivation, and understanding the cultural nuances that textbooks often miss. It’s a resource for anyone looking to move beyond the basics and build a more authentic, sustainable relationship with Japanese.
Episodes
号外 – Pre-JET Japanese Triage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:12
This is an audio version of a presentation I gave to departing JETs at the Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago. Usually I'm able to drill the JETs to get them speaking a little Japanese. Obviously it's virtual this yea…
S02E16 – Pools and 趣味 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:55
What's something that surprised you about Japan that was completely ordinary? For me it was the access to swimming pools. Living in Japan changed my relationship with swimming for the better. And in Japanese, I talk abou…
S02E15 – Mike Grant – Learning by Ear, Craft Brewing in Japan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:58
Mike Grant is the co-founder of Devil Craft brewing and has been operating in Tokyo for 10 years as of this year. Devil Craft has four locations in the Tokyo area. See Craft Beer Professional's interview with Mike here.…
S02E14 – The Katakana Fallacy and 言語の支え [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:11
The Katakana Fallacy is the mistaken belief that katakana are more difficult to learn than hiragana (and maybe even kanji?!). A closer look at what drives this believe helps explain why Japanese is, in fact, the easiest…
S02E12 – かもしれない and 食中毒 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:06
かもしれない (kamoshirenai, may/might) has subtle nuances, and it can be easy to overuse. I talk about a time when I did, and how many years later that mistake allowed me to become an advice columnist very briefly. And in Japa…
S02E10 – 車検 and 人生初めてのカラオケ [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:03
The dreaded 車検 (shaken, car inspection) is an expat's worst nightmare, but it's not a reason to not get a car. Driving in the Japanese countryside is absolutely the best way to get around and make some great memories. I…
S02E08 – Roomshare.jp and のり弁 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:44
Living with Japanese roommates in Tokyo was the highlight of my time in Japan. I found those roommates on the website Roomshare.jp, a great site that I introduce this week. And in Japanese I talk about how I ate のり弁 for…