How to Japanese Podcast

How to Japanese Podcast

Author: Daniel Morales Language: English Episodes: 77
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
S03E04 – Murakami Novel Power Rankings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:07
I've spent the last two months re-reading Haruki Murakami's novels, and here are my power rankings. What do you think? What are his most and least successful novels? Feel free to reach out with any questions or 悩み事 to ho…
S03E03 – Murakami's Origin Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:18
This week, I take a look at Murakami's famous origin story with the help of writer and translator Matt Schley. We looked at ten different accounts of the day that Murakami was inspired to become a writer. Check out the b…
S03E02 – The Murakami Season [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:04
Welcome to Season 3 of the How to Japanese Podcast, the Murakami Season. Here's the initial intro episode I was planning. Check out the blog for a link to the Murakami commentary I mention toward the end. Feel free to re…
S03E01 – Emergency Murakami Podcast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:14
We have the title for the new Murakami novel due out on April 13! It's the same title as a 1980 novella that Murakami disavowed as a "failed work" but later rewrote as Hard-boiled Wonderland and the End of the World. Her…
S02E20 – Instinctual Nattō and Introversion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:57
On the final episode this season, I talk about the importance of celebrating your little victories as you study a language. And in Japanese, I think about how to balance introversion and extroversion as you're studying.…
S02E18 – 都道府県 and 貪る [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:35
There is an official order to the 都道府県 (todōfuken, prefectures) in Japan. I share some thoughts about it and in Japanese discuss the importance of learning how to really devour (貪る, musaboru) your Japanese studies. This…
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…