Fun Japanese Learning with Movies, Dramas, and Anime

Are you passionate about movies, dramas, or anime? Do you want to learn Japanese in a fun and engaging way? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Welcome to our website, where we explore exciting methods for learning Japanese that will captivate your attention and boost your language skills. Whether you’re 18 or 34, our tips and recommendations will enrich your Japanese language journey. Let’s dive in!

Points to consider when selecting works for study

When it comes to choosing materials for Japanese language learning, be it movies, dramas, or anime, the key principles remain largely the same. However, with the wide array of genres available, it’s common to feel unsure about where to start. For those looking to utilize Japanese works for language study, comedies are generally recommended. Comedies offer straightforward storylines and are often entertaining, making them an ideal choice for studying Japanese without losing motivation. If comedies aren’t your cup of tea, pick something that genuinely piques your interest and harness it for your language learning journey.

✔ Explore Your Interests
Start by choosing one that fits your interests. This ensures that you stay engaged and motivated throughout your language learning journey.

✔ Choose Everyday Themes
Choose something centered around everyday life. While historical, medical, or legal dramas might be intriguing, they often feature archaic language or complex jargon, making them less suitable for beginners.

✔ Avoid Heavy Dialects
Avoid those with a lot of dialect, such as Kansai dialect. Dialects can be challenging, so it’s better to start with standard Japanese. Also, be aware that some main characters may have unique ways of speaking, so make sure what you’ve chosen isn’t like that.

✔ Match Your Skill Level
Choose the one that best suits your language skills. If you’re a beginner, simpler language and dialogue are key. Intermediate learners can explore a wider range of options.

Studying Japanese with Japanese Drama: Steps and key points

When it comes to studying Japanese through media like movies, dramas, or anime, it’s not necessary to watch every single episode from start to finish repeatedly. You can still benefit from your language learning journey by revisiting your favorite episodes or scenes. For those with limited time, it’s recommended to opt for standalone or one-episode works. Consider the following steps as you embark on your Japanese language learning adventure.

Step 1: Enjoy with Japanese Subtitles
Begin by watching with Japanese subtitles to understand the story.

Step 2: Pause and Note
Pause the video and make notes of unfamiliar words or expressions.

Step 3: Research and Understand
Look up the meaning of those unfamiliar words and expressions, and see how they fit in the context.

Step 4: Repeat Dialogues
Repeat the dialogues following the characters’ voices. Pick characters of your gender for practice.

Step 5: Watch without Subtitles
Gradually, transition to watching without subtitles.

For Beginners:
If you’re a beginner with little prior knowledge of Japanese, it’s advisable to watch with Japanese subtitles to get used to pronunciation and intonation.

For Intermediate Learners:
Focus on understanding shorter phrases and sentences. You may still use subtitles but gradually reduce dependence.

For Advanced Learners:
Challenge yourself by watching without subtitles. Pay attention to nuances, common expressions, and natural dialogue.

Recommended Titles

Here are a few recommended titles in each category. If any of them pique your interest, be sure to give them a watch. We’ve also rated them using stars, so consider that as a reference too.

Learning with Japanese Movies

そして父になる　★★★

“そして父になる” is a 2013 Japanese film directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda and starring Masaharu Fukuyama. The story revolves around Ryota, a successful architect, and his family. However, their lives take an unexpected turn when they discover that their six-year-old son was switched at birth with another child. This revelation forces Ryota to confront the complex issues of parenthood, identity, and the definition of what makes a family. The film delves into the emotional struggles and choices faced by the characters as they navigate the challenges of redefining their relationships.

ぼくは明日、昨日のきみとデートする　★★★

“ぼくは明日、昨日のきみとデートする” was released in 2016 and is based on the best-selling novel by Takafumi Nanatsuki, with Sota Fukushi and Nana Komatsu co-starring for the first time. The story is a sad and beautiful love story in which time cruelly tears apart two people who are attracted to each other.

Mastering Japanese through TV Dramas

日本人の知らない日本語　★☆☆

“日本人の知らない日本語” is a drama where the Japanese language teacher “Haruko” imparts lessons to students who have come to Japan from overseas to learn Japanese. It explores the challenges and questions that many Japanese learners encounter, making it relatable for viewers. Moreover, as the theme revolves around “Japanese language learning,” you can gain knowledge by just watching. It also provides explanations on how to memorize Japanese, making it a perfect drama for Japanese language study.

逃げるは恥だが役に立つ　★☆☆

“逃げるは恥だが役に立つ” is a drama with a storyline centered around a contract marriage between a man and a woman. Initially, it’s a fake marriage, but it gradually portrays how both of them develop romantic feelings for each other. This drama, accompanied by the hit theme song “Koi” sung by the main character, Gen Hoshino, became immensely popular. Many scenes feature characters speaking politely, making it beneficial for studying honorific language (keigo).

勇者ヨシヒコ　★★☆

“勇者ヨシヒコ” is a long-format comedy drama with three episodes. It’s a work themed around RPG with strong fantasy elements and a surreal storyline. This makes it an enjoyable way to learn Japanese. The “Yoshihiko” series features unique expressions and original words, which might be challenging to understand if you’re not familiar with Japanese. Therefore, it’s recommended to watch it after you’ve built a certain foundation in the language.

のだめカンタービレ　★★☆

“のだめカンタービレ,” which aired in 2006, is a drama centered around the lives of the protagonist, Nodame, whose real name is Megumi Noda, and her senior, Chiaki Shinichi, at a music university. The story, which entertainingly depicts orchestral performances, was a hit and led to a classical music boom in Japan.
While it contains many specialized terms, the conversational expressions are not difficult. It’s a great recommendation for those who enjoy music, as you can study Japanese while enjoying classical masterpieces.
Additionally, since it also portrays the romance between Nodame and Chiaki, those who love love stories can enjoy studying Japanese in an engaging way.

VIVANT　★★★

“VIVANT” is a drama in which the story revolves around Yuusuke Nogi, an employee of the major trading company “Marubashi Shoji,” who embarks on a journey to the Balkan Republic in Central Asia to recover losses of 13 billion yen resulting from a mistaken money transfer incident in his department. As he is pursued by the local police as a suspect in a bombing case, he unravels the mystery behind the word “Vivant,” spoken by the recipient of the money. While the plot may be complex, the intense and compelling performances by the actors allow viewers to experience nuances of the Japanese language that are not commonly seen.

Note: “Vivant” is a fictional element within the drama’s story, and the term may not have a direct translation or meaning in real-world Japanese.

JIN -仁-　★★★

“JIN” is a story centered around the physician Jin Minakata, who time-travels to the late Edo period and uses his knowledge of modern medicine to treat people’s illnesses. While set in the Edo period, the main character uses contemporary language, making it a valuable resource for Japanese language learning. Additionally, historical figures such as Ryoma Sakamoto and Soji Okita also make appearances, making it useful for learning Japanese history.

Note: The title “JIN” is also the main character’s name, and it is used to refer to the drama. The term may not have a direct translation or meaning in English.

Anime Adventures in Japanese

Japanese language learning through children’s anime is particularly beginner-friendly, making it a great starting point.

ドラえもん　★☆☆

“ドラえもん” is a beloved Japanese manga and anime series featuring a robotic cat named Doraemon who helps a young boy, Nobita Nobi, with futuristic gadgets. The series combines humor and moral lessons, making it an iconic part of Japanese pop culture with a global following.

ちびまる子ちゃん　★☆☆

“ちびまる子ちゃん” is a popular Japanese manga and anime series created by Momoko Sakura. It revolves around the daily life and adventures of a young girl named Maruko and her family in the 1970s. The series captures the nostalgia of the Showa era and is known for its heartwarming and humorous stories.

ONE PIECE　★★☆

“ONE PIECE” is a highly acclaimed Japanese manga and anime series created by Eiichiro Oda. It follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his crew of pirates as they search for the ultimate treasure known as “ONE PIECE.” The series is known for its epic battles, unique characters, and intricate world-building.

HUNTER×HUNTER　★★☆

“HUNTER×HUNTER” is a popular Japanese manga and anime series created by Yoshihiro Togashi. The story follows a young boy named Gon Freecss who embarks on a journey to become a Hunter, an elite profession with various specialties such as treasure hunting and creature extermination. The series is known for its complex characters and intricate world-building.

名探偵コナン　★★★

“名探偵コナン”, known as Case Closed in some regions, is a long-running Japanese manga and anime series created by Gosho Aoyama. The story revolves around Shinichi Kudo, a brilliant high school detective who is transformed into a child after being poisoned. He adopts the pseudonym Conan Edogawa and continues to solve crimes while searching for a cure to his condition. The series is famous for its intricate mysteries and cases.

銀魂　★★★

“銀魂” is a Japanese manga and anime series written and illustrated by Hideaki Sorachi. It’s set in an alternate-history Edo period, where aliens have invaded and taken over Japan. The story follows Gintoki Sakata, a lazy and eccentric samurai, along with his friends, as they take on odd jobs in this unusual world. The series is known for its hilarious and satirical humor, blending action, science fiction, and comedy.

Conclusion

Intrigued? If you’re excited about the idea of learning Japanese while enjoying your favorite movies, TV dramas, and anime, then our website is the ideal place for you. No matter your age or language level, we have something to offer. Start your journey to master Japanese through entertainment today!

There are several other methods to study Japanese. Be sure to explore and find the one that suits you best!