Ohazassu Podcast

Struggling with the JLPT reading section? I was always failing the reading section in my practice tests, but I did something that helped me pass both N1 and N2 on my first try.

Improving my reading speed also made a huge difference in real workplace situations here in Japan.

If you’re aiming for N1 or N2, or planning to work in Japan, I hope this helps you stay motivated and improves your reading confidence. Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you in the next one!

============== Ohazassu Links ==============
Website: https://www.ohazassu.com
X: https://x.com/ohazassu
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohazassu/

============= External Links =============
Book recommendation 👇 上級学習者のための日本語読解ワークブック https://book.alc.co.jp/book/b10029471.html

https://youtu.be/uxggTmmmce4?si=126j1DnpNlUZt2GH
https://youtu.be/N_jG0zlG4g4?si=hOo4l5D75iCgGkil

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How much Japanese do you actually need to live in Japan? After 13 years here, I’ve realized the answer is very different from what textbooks and online debates claim.

If you’re learning Japanese, or thinking about moving to Japan, I hope this episode takes some pressure off and gives you a clearer path forward.

============== Ohazassu Links ==============
Website: https://www.ohazassu.com
X: https://x.com/ohazassu
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohazassu/

============= External Links =============
 • Zipf’s Law (Wikipedia): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zipf%27s_law

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Living in Japan can be an incredible, challenging, confusing, and deeply rewarding experience.

After 13 years in Nagoya (and my first stay over 25 years ago in Osaka), I’ve learned one thing: your mindset matters more than anything else.

In today’s video, I share some factors that have influenced how I perceive Japan, from language ability to open‑mindedness to one of my favorite Japanese concepts: 守破離 (shuhari) — the journey from following rules → learning how to bend them → eventually innovating on your own.

For the first time, I also talk about something I’ve quietly observed. Japan often judges effort and improvement, not absolute ability. It’s a different way of looking at people.

Whether you’re thinking of moving to Japan, already live here, or are just curious about the culture, I hope this video gives you something real to reflect on.

And stick around for the Word of the Day at the end, today’s word is a good one.

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Ever wondered why Japan never feels “ordinary,” even after years of living here? In this episode, I share my personal reflections on what keeps life in Japan fascinating, 13 years after moving here. From the concept of home shifting over time, to the addictive curiosity that Japan sparks, and even why the bullet train still makes me giddy, this is a deep dive into why Japan gets its hooks into you and never lets go.

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Hisabisa の impromptu episode. 

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Think you know basic Japanese? Think again!

In this video, I share real Japanese words that even kids use every day, but you’ll never find them in your textbook or classroom lessons!

==============
Ohazassu Links
==============
Website: https://www.ohazassu.com
X: https://x.com/ohazassu
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohazassu/

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ohazassu-podcast--5905520/support.

Kyodo News: https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/66424

==============
Ohazassu Links
==============

Website: https://www.ohazassu.com
X: https://x.com/ohazassu
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohazassu/

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ohazassu-podcast--5905520/support.

What's your most embarrassing Japanese mistake? In this episode, I share mine...

As mentioned in the episode, here are the links to Weekly Fascination and Exjapter 👇 
https://www.youtube.com/@weeklyfascination
https://www.youtube.com/@Exjapter

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I sometimes think about buying a car in Japan, but... I have reasons! Hear me out...

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When I first started learning Japanese, I never thought knowing the language would help me in these ways. In this episode I share two personal stories about my experience.

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