NIHONGO CANDY – Japanese Learning Podcast (JLPT N5–N3)

By Miki-sensei | Japanese Learning with WELCEducation Language Learning

NIHONGO CANDY – Japanese Learning Podcast (JLPT N5–N3) episodes

September 15, 2025Open or Empty? Mastering "Aku" (開く vs. 空く)
🎯Perfect For:
JLPT N5-N3 learners (beginner to intermediate) ready for real conversations
People who want to transform textbook Japanese into natural speaking skills with expert guidance
Learners seeking practical insights from an experienced instructor beyond what AI apps offer
Busy professionals who need actionable Japanese for everyday situations

📚 BOOST Your Learning: Read the Full Scripts!
https://www.welcjp.com/category/podcast-nihongo-candy

🍵 Support the Show: Buy Miki sensei a Matcha Latte!
⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/nihongocandy⁠⁠⁠⁠

📈 Connect with Us:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/welcjapanese/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎓 Online Course:JLPT N3 Grammar Course: https://www.udemy.com/course/intermediate-japanese-jlpt-n3-course1/?referralCode=981E15742749C7D503B0
9 min
September 08, 2025[N3 Grammar] "I should have..." | Expressing Regret (〜ばよかった)
🎯Perfect For:
JLPT N5-N3 learners (beginner to intermediate) ready for real conversations
People who want to transform textbook Japanese into natural speaking skills with expert guidance
Learners seeking practical insights from an experienced instructor beyond what AI apps offer
Busy professionals who need actionable Japanese for everyday situations

📚 BOOST Your Learning: Read the Full Scripts!
⁠⁠⁠https://https://www.welcjp.com/category/podcast-nihongo-candy

🍵 Support the Show: Buy Miki sensei a Matcha Latte!
⁠⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/nihongocandy⁠⁠⁠

📈 Connect with Us:
Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/welcjapanese/⁠⁠⁠
Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.welcjp.com⁠⁠⁠

Thank you for being part of the NIHONGO CANDY community! Your support and engagement make this podcast possible.
いっしょに　にほんごの　べんきょうを　がんばりましょう！
8 min
September 01, 2025Enjoy vs. Look Forward To: Using 楽しむ & 楽しみ (Tanoshimi)
🎯Perfect For:
JLPT N5-N3 learners (beginner to intermediate) ready for real conversations
People who want to transform textbook Japanese into natural speaking skills with expert guidance
Learners seeking practical insights from an experienced instructor beyond what AI apps offer
Busy professionals who need actionable Japanese for everyday situations

📚 BOOST Your Learning: Read the Full Scripts!
https://www.welcjp.com/category/podcast-nihongo-candy

🍵 Support the Show: Buy Miki sensei a Matcha Latte!
⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/nihongocandy⁠⁠

📈 Connect with Us:
Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/welcjapanese/⁠⁠
Website: ⁠⁠https://www.welcjp.com⁠⁠

Thank you for being part of the NIHONGO CANDY community! Your support and engagement make this podcast possible.
いっしょに日本語の勉強をがんばりましょう！
12 min
August 25, 2025Japanese Slang: "Shindoi" (しんどい) | "I'm exhausted!"
🎯Perfect For:
JLPT N5-N3 learners (beginner to intermediate) ready for real conversations
People who want to transform textbook Japanese into natural speaking skills with expert guidance
Learners seeking practical insights from an experienced instructor beyond what AI apps offer
Busy professionals who need actionable Japanese for everyday situations

📚 BOOST Your Learning: Read the Full Scripts!
https://www.welcjp.com/category/podcast-nihongo-candy

🍵 Support the Show: Buy Miki sensei a Matcha Latte!
⁠https://ko-fi.com/nihongocandy⁠

📈 Connect with Us:
Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/welcjapanese/⁠
Website: ⁠https://www.welcjp.com⁠

ちゃう chau： “Nope” / “That’s not it.”
あかん akan： “No good” / “Not okay” / “Useless” / “Don’t do that”
ドヤ顔 doyagao： “smug face” / “smug look” / “self-satisfied grin”

Thank you for being part of the NIHONGO CANDY community! Your support and engagement make this podcast possible.
いっしょに日本語の勉強をがんばりましょう！
11 min
August 18, 2025"And then..." & "Also": The Casual Conjunction "Ato" (あと)
🎯Perfect For:
JLPT N5-N3 learners (beginner to intermediate) ready for real conversations
People who want to transform textbook Japanese into natural speaking skills with expert guidance
Learners seeking practical insights from an experienced instructor beyond what AI apps offer
Busy professionals who need actionable Japanese for everyday situations

📚 BOOST Your Learning: Read the Full Scripts!
https://www.welcjp.com/category/podcast-nihongo-candy

🍵 Support the Show: Buy Miki sensei a Matcha Latte!
https://ko-fi.com/nihongocandy

📈 Connect with Us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/welcjapanese/
Website: https://www.welcjp.com

Thank you for being part of the NIHONGO CANDY community! Your support and engagement make this podcast possible.
いっしょに日本語の勉強をがんばりましょう！
10 min
August 11, 2025"I lost my wallet!" : Lost & Found Phrases in Japan
🚨 Handle Lost Item Emergencies in Japan・From: Panic mode → To: Confident communication at key locations・From: "I lost my wallet!" → To: "densha no naka ni saifu wo wasuremashita" (I left my wallet on the train)

🎯 Navigate Three Critical Locations・At train stations: Go to "otoshimono sentaa" (lost and found center) and explain when/where・At shopping malls: Report to "annaijo" (information desk) with contact details・At police boxes: Fill out "ishitsu-todoke" (lost property report) with detailed descriptions

🎯 Master Essential Vocabulary & Phrases・Items: saifu (wallet), sumaho (mobile phone), kagi (key), kasa (umbrella)・Descriptions: "chairo no, futatsu-ori saifu desu" (brown, bi-fold wallet)・Contents: "kurejitto kaado to genkin ga haitte imasu" (credit cards and cash inside)・Key phrases: "doko ka wakarimasen" (I don't know where), "ima ryokou-chuu desu" (I'm traveling now)

🎯Perfect For:
JLPT N5-N3 learners (beginner to intermediate) ready for real conversations
People who want to transform textbook Japanese into natural speaking skills with expert guidance
Learners seeking practical insights from an experienced instructor beyond what AI apps offer
Busy professionals who need actionable Japanese for everyday situations

📚 BOOST Your Learning: Read the Full Scripts!
⁠https://www.welcjp.com/category/podcast-nihongo-candy⁠

🚀 Ready to speak with confidence?Listening is great, but speaking with feedback is faster.I offer Executive Private Coaching for professionals.Let's fix your mistakes and polish your business Japanese together.
👇 Apply for 1-on-1 Lessons:⁠https://www.welcjp.com/forindividuals⁠

👇 Follow on Instagram:⁠https://www.instagram.com/welcjapanese
13 min
August 04, 2025"Can I try this on?" : Shopping for Clothes in Japan
👔 Navigate Real Clothing Store Situations
From: Basic vocabulary → To: Practical shopping phrases
From: "Can I try this on?" → To: "shichaku dekimasu ka" (Can I try this on?)
From: "It's tight" → To: "kitsui desu" (It's tight) - get the right size!

🎯 Handle Common Shopping Challenges
At the entrance: Respond to "nanika osagashi desu ka" (Are you looking for something?) naturally
In fitting rooms: Understand "san-chaku desu ne" (You have 3 items) and counter "chaku" for clothes
When sizing: Ask "ookii no wa arimasu ka" (Do you have this in a larger size?)
At checkout: Say "zenbu kudasai" (I'll take them all) for multiple items

🎯 Master Essential Clothing Vocabulary
Sizes: esu-saizu (size S), emu-saizu (size M), eru-saizu (size L), 9-gou/11-gou (size 9/11)
Colors: kuro (black), shiro (white), guree (gray), kon (navy blue)
Discounts: san-wari-biki (30% off), go-wari-biki (50% off) - not 3% or 5%!
Payment: "Apple Pay wa daijoubu desu ka" (Is Apple Pay okay?), "fukuro onegaishimasu" (A bag, please)

🎯Perfect For:
JLPT N5-N3 learners (beginner to intermediate) ready for real conversations
People who want to transform textbook Japanese into natural speaking skills with expert guidance
Learners seeking practical insights from an experienced instructor beyond what AI apps offer
Busy professionals who need actionable Japanese for everyday situations

📚 BOOST Your Learning: Read the Full Scripts!
⁠https://www.welcjp.com/category/podcast-nihongo-candy⁠

📈 Connect with Us:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/welcjapanese/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎓 Online Course:JLPT N3 Grammar Course: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.udemy.com/course/intermediate-japanese-jlpt-n3-course1/?referralCode=981E15742749C7D503B0⁠⁠

🍵 Support the Show: Buy Miki sensei a Matcha Latte!
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/nihongocandy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
11 min
July 28, 2025Ordering Ramen in Japan: Essential Phrases & Menu
🍜 Navigate Real Ramen Shop Situations
From: Basic vocabulary → To: Practical restaurant phrases
From: "How long?" → To: "nanpun machimasu ka" (How many minutes will I wait?)
From: "It's delicious" → To: "oishikatta desu" (It was delicious) - make staff happy!

🎯 Handle Common Restaurant Challenges
At the entrance: Ask "koko ga saigo desu ka" (Is this the end of the line?)
With ticket machines: Say "sumimasen, tsukai-kata o oshiete kudasai" (Could you tell me how to use this?)
When ordering: Respond to "okimari desu ka" (Have you decided?) naturally
At payment: Request "okaikei o onegaishimasu" (Check, please)

🎯 Master Essential Ramen Vocabulary
Types: shooyu (soy sauce), miso, shio (salt), tonkotsu (pork bone)
Toppings: chaashuu (pork slices), nitamago (soft-boiled egg), moyashi (bean sprouts)
Choices: men no katasa (noodle firmness), aji no kosa (soup richness)
Research: rebyuu (reviews), hoshi (star ratings), gotoochi raamen (local specialty ramen)
🎯Perfect For:
JLPT N5-N3 learners (beginner to intermediate) ready for real conversations
People who want to transform textbook Japanese into natural speaking skills with expert guidance
Learners seeking practical insights from an experienced instructor beyond what AI apps offer
Busy professionals who need actionable Japanese for everyday situations

📚 BOOST Your Learning: Read the Full Scripts!
⁠https://www.welcjp.com/category/podcast-nihongo-candy⁠

📈 Connect with Us:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/welcjapanese/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎓 Online Course:JLPT N3 Grammar Course: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.udemy.com/course/intermediate-japanese-jlpt-n3-course1/?referralCode=981E15742749C7D503B0⁠⁠

🍵 Support the Show: Buy Miki sensei a Matcha Latte!
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/nihongocandy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
10 min
July 21, 2025[N3 Grammar] The "-sa" Suffix: Turning Adjectives into Nouns
🎌 Make Your Japanese Sound More Natural
From: "This building is tall" → To: "This building's height is 100 meters"
From: "She is kind" → To: "I'm grateful for her kindness"
Change simple adjectives into more natural Japanese expressions!
🎯 Talk Better in Daily Life
At the hair salon: Understand "Is this pressure okay?" (tsuyosa wa kono gurai de yoroshii desu ka)
About food: Say "I was moved by this dish's deliciousness"
About travel: Express "I was healed by the mountain's quietness"
🎯 Learn the Difference Between sa and mi
amasa (measurable sweetness) vs amami (sweet taste you feel)
itasa (level of pain) vs itami (pain feeling in body and heart)
Sound like a natural Japanese speaker!
📈 Perfect For:
JLPT N5-N3 learners who want to improve
People who want to use vocabulary and grammar they already know in real conversations
Anyone who wants effective Japanese learning tips in 10-minute weekly lessons
📚 More Resources:
Episode Scripts: patreon.com/mikisensei_welc
Official Website: https://www.welcjp.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/welcjapanese/
11 min
July 14, 2025"Ato" (あと): Meaning "Later" vs. "Remaining"
Learn Japanese: Essential JLPT Grammar & Vocabulary | NIHONGO CANDY

📱 Full lesson summary slides available on Patreon with each episode!
patreon.com/mikisensei_welc

Master one essential Japanese grammar point or vocabulary item in just 6 minutes! Each episode focuses on a practical JLPT N5-N3 level expression that's frequently used in daily conversations and appears on the exam.

What You’ll Learn:
Precise explanation of one key grammar point or vocabulary item
Natural pronunciation and usage examples
Common contexts and situations where this expression is used
Practice opportunities with sample sentences

About Miki Sensei:
Nationally certified Japanese language instructor with 20+ years of teaching experience
Specializing in one-on-one lessons for employees at global companies

📱 Lesson Summaries from Previous Episodes:　https://www.instagram.com/welcjapanese/📚 JLPT N3 Course: Intermediate Japanese Language Course: JLPT N3 Masteryhttps://www.udemy.com/course/intermediate-japanese-jlpt-n3-course1/?referralCode=981E15742749C7D503B0
🌐 More Resources: https://www.welcjp.com

#JLPT #LearnJapanese #JapaneseGrammar #JapaneseVocabulary #Nihongo #JapanesePodcast #MikiSensei #NihongoCandy
10 min

About NIHONGO CANDY – Japanese Learning Podcast (JLPT N5–N3)

From the publisher's feed

Japanese learning made simple, one short lesson at a time. NIHONGO CANDY is a Japanese learning podcast for English speakers at JLPT N5–N3 level, hosted by Miki-sensei, a nationally certified Japanese teacher with over 20 years of experience.