Best Shows to Watch for Learning Japanese
Want to learn Japanese? Watching shows is a fun way to do it.
I’m Gus (@gengo.gus). I learned Japanese to near-native level (N1) in just 3 years. Then I moved to Japan. Now I help others learn Japanese with personal coaching.
Watching shows helped me the most. Here are the best shows to learn Japanese:
(P.S: I've ranked the shows by difficulty, but I do NOT believe you should only watch shows that you feel are "at your level")
My Top 7 Japanese Shows for Learning
These are my favorites. I watched all of them to learn.
1. Terrace House
Level: Easy to Medium
This is a show about young people living in one house. They talk a lot. It’s slow, so easy to follow. Great for beginners.
2. Bananaman
Level: Medium
These are funny comedy shows. There are jokes, silly games, and lots of real talk. You hear how people joke and laugh in Japanese:
・そんなバカなマン
・バナナステーキ
3. Saiki Kusuo no Psi-nan
Level: Hard
This is a fast anime. People talk very fast. But it’s funny and fun. If you like anime, try this. You can slow it down too.
4. Aiseki Shokudou
Level: Medium
This show is about people eating food in small towns. Two hosts talk about it. You learn about food, travel, and real talk.
5. Suiyou Doudeshou
Level: Medium
This is a wild travel show. The people joke a lot and go to crazy places. You learn funny Japanese and how people tease each other.
6. Blazing Transfer Students
Level: Easy
This is a silly school show. The words are simple and clear. It’s easy to follow and fun to watch.
7. Monster
Level: Hard
This is a slow and deep story. It is about a doctor and a mystery. You learn serious words and formal Japanese. Try this when you are ready for a challenge.
Why Watch Shows to Learn Japanese?
・You hear real Japanese people talk
・You learn how people speak every day
・You learn new words and phrases
・It’s fun and keeps you going
・You get used to the sounds of Japanese
How to Learn Japanese with Shows
Here is a simple way to learn when you watch:
1. Use Japanese subtitles if you can
2. Watch a little every day
3. Pause and write down new words
4. Say the lines out loud
5. Watch the same part again later
You don’t have to understand everything. Just keep watching. You will get better over time.
Final Tips
Watching shows is one of the best Japanese learning resources. You hear real talk. You learn fast. You don’t get bored.
Start with a show from this list. Watch 15–30 minutes each day. Make it fun. That’s how I learned. You can do it too.
Want help learning faster? I train learners just like you. My programs are made for people who want real results in less time.