Learn Japanese with Sakura!

Take a look inside my everyday bag with me. I talk about my keys, wallet, things for my children, work items, and a few surprises in simple Japanese.

Listen once with the pictures and on-screen subtitles, try the two listening questions, then listen again without the visual hints. What do you keep in your bag?

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https://resources.letsnihongojp.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=syj&utm_content=video_v487

Watch the original video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxA_ZuDMl-A

Why do people in Japan say “食欲の秋” and “スポーツの秋”? In this Japanese listening episode, I talk about autumn food, school sports days, and the little moments that make me feel autumn has arrived.

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https://resources.letsnihongojp.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=syj&utm_content=video_v485

Original YouTube episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSdk_yC_kJQ

In this episode, I break shadowing practice into smaller steps for learning on your own. We look at listening with the text and picturing the situation, so you can take your practice one step at a time.

Want to use more of the Japanese you already know? Sign up with your email to get my free Japanese Speaking Diagnosis, roadmap video, and 4 practice resources: 660 Essential Words, Japanese Particle Cheat Sheet, 100 Common Questions, and Verb Conjugation Guide.

https://resources.letsnihongojp.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=syj&utm_content=video_v484

Original YouTube episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4Qf_5_4uvQ

Not sure when to use wa (は) or ga (が)? In this beginner lesson, I explain the difference in English, using simple Japanese examples.

We look at topics and contrast with wa, and subjects, focus, and existence with ga. Try the practice quiz and notice how the particle changes what a sentence highlights.

After listening, try making a simple sentence of your own using one of the examples as a guide.

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Original YouTube episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSlF2bwnzww

Should you use で (de) or に (ni) when talking about a place? In this beginner Japanese lesson, I explain how the verb helps you choose, with examples such as 図書館で勉強します and 学校に行きます.

Follow the examples and practice choosing the particle. Then try making a short sentence about somewhere you go or something you do.

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Original YouTube episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkNbXfsM9GE

Which Japanese greeting fits the moment? I introduce everyday greetings from morning to night, including ohayou gozaimasu, konnichiwa, and konbanwa, with examples of casual and polite forms.

This beginner lesson draws on GENKI Lesson 1 and connects the phrases to daily situations: saying goodbye, mealtimes, meeting someone, and leaving or returning home.

Try choosing one greeting you can use in your next Japanese conversation.

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Original YouTube episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XDiHdwqOmk

Join me for a busy morning in Japan. In easy Japanese, I talk about waking up, breakfast, getting ready for school, and cleaning. This episode is for N5–N4 learners.

Watch with subtitles, then try the second part without them. If you are listening to the audio, listen again and notice the everyday expressions you recognize.

After listening, try describing one thing you do every morning in your own Japanese words.

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Original YouTube episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaibyWbSLn0

Why do anime characters use different words for “I”? In easy Japanese, I explore ore, boku, watashi, and washi, and how personality and context shape the way characters refer to themselves.

Listen for the differences, then think about which expressions fit your own conversations. This episode is for N5–N4 learners who enjoy anime and want to understand Japanese more deeply.

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Original YouTube episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOF_8rPjWiY

You may have learned that あなた (anata) means “you.” So why do Japanese speakers often use a person's name instead? In this episode, I explain how anata can sound different depending on the situation, including its affectionate use between some married couples.

Listen for how the relationship and context change the meaning. After listening, think about how you would address someone you know in Japanese.

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Original YouTube episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TYzLbO6plA

What do I enjoy doing? I talk about my seven hobbies in slow, easy Japanese: anime, traveling, camping, journaling, reading, Japanese drumming, and learning. This episode is for N5–N4 learners.

Watch with subtitles, then try the second part without them. If you are listening to the audio, listen again and notice which expressions become familiar.

After listening, try sharing one of your own hobbies in Japanese. Use a short sentence to tell someone what you enjoy.

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Original YouTube episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5rLhfpmYg4