Learn Japanese - Hear the Buzz

“Languages don’t come much more difficult than Japanese. Thankfully, this Tokyo-produced podcast offers a painless—and free—way to bone up on the language and culture of the Land of the Rising Sun, offering the sort of relevant real-world preparation that you won’t get in a classroom or on a CD-ROM.”

“Galante hosts his podcast in English, explaining most of the lesson’s key concepts, while authentic Japanese natives sound out the words with proper pronunciation. According to Galante, one of the most popular features of the podcast is the portion in which Japanese speakers slowly pronounce the words syllable by syllable for easier comprehension.”

Select Reviews

“Thank you!”

“I just purchased a premium membership to JapanesePod101.com, and I must say the price of the free content alone would have been more than worth the subscription. I have spent the last 9 months, and spent over $1000 dollars on various textbooks, audio programs and software. The first 30 audio lessons alone cost over $200. I’m embarassed to say I have wasted so much time before I found you guys.”

- Tim

“Your system really, really works!”

“I just wanted to write a bit of a testimonial to thank everybody at JapanesePod101.com and to let you know that your system really, really works. I mean, if you’d told me in January that within seven months I could learn enough Japanese to chat with my future in-laws I would’ve laughed at you. But that’s exactly what I did. It was awesome. And then, when I think that I’ve spent less than 100 dollars so far to learn all this, that I never had an in-person lesson, never set foot in Japan…well, it’s incredible what the internet can do. And it’s incredible what you all can do. All the “thank you’s I could type wouldn’t be enough.”

- Francisco

Very, very nice!

“I had no idea learning another language could be this good! After immersing myself in Japanese language CDs fo two weeks, I was bored and restless. There’s only so many times one can listen to the same structured phrases repeated ad infinitum. JapanesePod101.com proved to be the perfect cure: a new lesson is enthusiastically presented daily and all previous episodes are available for review! In addition, there”s episodes featuring survival phrases, lessons on Japanese culture, formal vs. informal speech comparisons, and extensive PDF notes available! The presenters are extremely passionate about teaching, and there is a vibrant community sharing information and help on their website. In fact, JapanesePod101.com is like a miniature class that I can take with me anywhere I go - for me, this is podcasting’s greatest manifestations”

- SeeLance

Piece of Cake!

“JapanesePod101 is probably the single most innovate podcasts in the iTunes podcast directory to date! If you are thinking about learning, improving or just reviewing your Japanese this is the podcast for you. Each lesson is concise and informative, but not patronizing. The technique of teaching allows the listener to hear accurate pronunciation from native Japanese speakers, and hear the English translation from a native America. Far from boring or standard, this podcast not only teaches “textbook Japanese”, but useful survival phrases for everyday situations, Japanese Culture classes which inform you about the rich culture of Japan, news programs, and friendly banter! The hosts are amazingly warm and informative, and encourage you to learn. Even though each of the lessons is short (approximately 10 to 15 minutes), you can’t help but wait with anticipation for the next installment. Everything about this podcast is perfectly put together. Use your timely wisely, and learn some Japanese!”

- HoneyPossum

Digital Educational Revolution

“JapanesePod101 is the latest innovation of the electronic frontier. No longer is the internet reserved for bargain basement shoppers and gamers. These folks are here to help start the digital education revolution. Lessons are well thought our and professionally delivered; and the playful banter oft he crew is sure to keep you smiling long after the lessons. Digitized on-demand lessons means never asking for a word or lesson to be repeated. Listen to lessons as quickly or slowly as you wish. I expect that the retention rate of the material delivered on this media greatly surpasses the methods provided through a traditional classroom.”

- MintyFresh

Amazing Podcast!

“I’ve been studying Japanese on my own since last November. I’ve used “Japanese for Busy People 1, 2 & 3,” “Japanese for Dummies” “Japanese Grammar” and more, and none of these text books have come close to teaching me as much as JapansePod101.com. Being able to hear native Japanese speakers really helps me feel more confident in my speaking abilities and accuracy. I am going to Tokyo in 2 weeks and hope to live in Japan soon after that, and what I’ve learned just in the past week of listening to the podcast (at a rate of about 7 podcasts a day… I have to catch up!) is indispensable. Domou arigato gozaimasu!”

- anime

The best way to learn Japanese

“I can easily say that not only is JapansePod101 the best podcast I have heard but it is also the best audio tool for learning Japanese surpassing expensive CD box sets. Whereas CDs such as “Pimselur” are expensive, dry, and boring; Peter Galante, Sakura Suzuki, & the rest of the JapanesePod101 crew teach you a difficult language with a logical and natural approach. Before you know it, you are actually learning Japanese. What Peter and the gang do the best is that they are clearly having fun teaching you and the energy carries over to you and makes you really want to learn more and more. The only times i Had trouble pronouncing certain words wasn’t because of the difficulty, it was because I was smiling too much. ^_^ Arigatou Gozaimashi! Ganbatte Kudasai!”

- DJ Beer

Unlike any other.

“I’m an American living in NYC, married to a Japanese woman. She’s tried teaching me Japanese, and I’ve tried by reading books and other audio lessons, but JapanesePod101.com is by far the most successful and entertaining lessons that I’ve come across. It’s more than just learning the language, but the successful thing about this podcast is that the personalities on it are so endearing and so entertaining, that I can understand them, and they almost feel like friends of mine. So I need to thank JapanesePod101 for letting me impress my wife with my Japanese ability more than even before! I can’t wait two hear the next episode.”

- DarkRed

Better Than The Best Foreign Language Software

“I began learning Japanese in January 2006. I started using both JapanesePod101 and a very well known, highly praised foreign language learning software. I must say that JapanesePod101 is light years beyond the software! The episodes are simple, easy to understand and help prepare you for real conversations in a cultural context. If I were to go to Japan tomorrow, I would feel very comfortable that JapanesePod101 has given me the tools I need to get around successfully. If I just relied on the computer software, I would be wandering around list with my only phrases being about barnyard animals. Arigato JapanesePod101″

- Dave S.

A must have podcast!!!

“This is the BEST way to learn Japanese! I can’t find a Japanese language class in my area and I’ve tried for years with books, tapes, CDs, CD-ROMs… and nothing has really worked. But THIS DOES!!! It is like an online learning course that comes to you! It’s fun, quick, easy, informative and free to boot! To Peter-san, Sakura-san, Natsuko-san, Kazunori-san, and Sasahara Sensei-sama, Arigato gosaimas!”

- Eriku

This is really really really nice.

“I’m a university professor and I’ve self-learned the basics of several languages and needed to learn some Japanese quickly. I tried all the podcasts available, but this JapanesePod101 is superior by far. Besides a very logically organized approach, both their free and premium internet resources are utterly sensational. I had a one-month membership and it was well worth the money. In addition to all that, they have charming hosts. I studies for af ew short weeks before my trip and just now returned from Tokyo. My survival phrases were frequently put to use and saved me from numerous potential headaches and missed trains. My kana learning made sign reading a blast for my son and me. I also enjoy the many Pi-taa-isms from the host, Peter Galante. My favorite was when he heard the pronunciation for the Japanese word meaning bad, “That’s very very very good. “That’s baaad.” Very fun show. Thanks to JapanesePod101 for making my trip to Japan twice the pleasure.”

- d…

The Best!

“Wow - and I never thought I could find so many uses for my iPod - now it is a miniature classroom too! This is a fantastic series. I have studies a number of languages and because of an upcoming trip to Japan I have recently added Japanese into the mix. I must say this series is far better than any other tapes or software I have tried. The addition of little cultural insights and the charming personalities of the instructors really makes a world of difference. I can’t recommend this podcast highly enough - the lessons are clear and well thought out, the spoken language is broken down into slow easy to hear segments with great descriptions. The hosts sound like they are enjoying themselves and the listener feels like they are sitting down with friends to learn a little Japanese. Well done.”

- Moxatope

Other Reviews

JapanesePod101.com,

“Just wanted to let you know I’m enjoying the Podcast! I’m trying to learn some basic phrases before I go visit a friend in April, and your “Survival phrases” were exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!”

- Mandy

JapanesePod101.com,

“I listened to your first lesson; I found your site by searching iTunes a few days ago. I was looking for free Japanese audio that I could load into my iPod and listen to while traveling to and from work. I am just beginning to study the Japanese language; I hope to travel to Japan in about two years time. I want to take the time to thank you for preparing the material, and making it available to the public at no cost, and I hope that you are able to continue to do so for some time. Again, thank-you very much, and good luck with your project. Doumo arigato gozaimashita”

- Frank

Hi JapanesePod101.com,

“I just listened to your podcast #1 and found it incredible! It was fun and informative. I really liked the format. I’ve recommended you site to many people already. I’m looking forward to the next podcast. Thank you.”

- Jenn

Hi JapanesePod101.com,

“Thanks for the podcast! It’s a very good podcast, and I’m have been listening (and re-listening) in the last days. You are doing a great job. I live in San Paulo, so the lessons are double classes, English and Japanese classes, but they are very easy and you make in a way to make them pleasant. I don’t have a podcast, but I use the iTunes to listen to the lessons and after I listen to them I keep them.”

- Bibi

Konnichi wa JapanesePod101.com,

“Thank you for providing this podcast! I’m always looking forward to download the daily podcast from you. The well-structured lessons are great. The mixture of language teaching and small talk motivates my learning.”

- Jon

Happy New Year JapanesePod101.com!

“I’ve been listening to you since you were mentioned on chinesepod.com. You guys are great! Keep up the good work.”

- John

JapanesePod101.com,

“I could go on saying lots of nice words about your episodes, but that would be a long mail. Let me just say your programs are very clear, structured and informative = nice to listen.”

- Robert

JapanesePod101.com Mina-san!

“Doumo Arigato. I just wanted to write and thank you for your podcast on learning Japanese. I’ve been taking classes in Japanese for over a year now, but I listen to your show every day to keep my listening comprehension up, and I find it very entertaining. I only wish it was longer. I really appreciate the time you guys take to make this a daily podcast, and wanted to let you know there is at least one person out there listening.”

- Dave

Hello JapanesePod101.com,

“I am writing to tell you that you have an interesting podcast and keep it up. I’ve been listening from lesson 2 or so (found it by accident). The podcast seems to have become quite popular up since then.”

- Piculum

Dear JapanesePod101.com,

“Excellent podcasts - thank you very much. My husband and I are new-ish to Tokyo having moved here in August and are trying hard to learn the language. Enjoying listening to your banter on the airwaves each day.”

- Karen, Japan

Hello JapanesePod101.com,

“I just got an ipod for xmas and stumbled across japanesepod101.com. I immediately subscribed and have listened to every episode so far. Being Japanese American I already knew most of the material covered to date, but I have picked up a few tidbits here and there. I know that I will learn a great deal very soon and look forward to each episode”

- Troy

Hi JapanesePod101.com,

“I love this podcast. I’m taking first year Japanese in college and I love it. This is a great complement to my classes because the episodes are just the right length and daily, so every day I can hear Japanese, and learn new vocabulary. I like the PDF notes, too. Thank you so much!”

- Alexandra

Hi All.

“Just wanted to say thanks for the podcasts - I’ve been an avid listener since just before the New Year, and I love the fact that there is a new lesson every day. I study online and in conversation classes - and I find that these podcasts are a great way to re-enforce everything that I have been studying. I especially like the little bits of culture info that you include in each lesson. Textbooks never give that!”

- Chloe

Hi JapanesePod101.com!

“I was introduced to this podcast some someone’s blog (I can’t remember which one now.), but I’d just like to tell you how great your podcast is. Keep up the good work!”

- Alastair

Hi Peter-san, Sakara-san, Natsuko-san, Kazunori-san,

“I’m Chanun from Bangkok, Thailand. I’ve been listening to your program for quite a while now but never really had the time to write to you guys. Anyway, I’ve just started taking proper Japanese classes after having self-taught myself for sometime. Your podcast has helped me greatly with my Japanese. I really enjoy all of your episodes, and I totemo daisuki the naturalness and friendliness of them. I usually have an ipod glued to my ears when I’m on my way to and from work and practice saying things quietly under my breath so no one on the train thinks I’m baka! Ok, I hope all is well with you guys over there. Keep the good work coming (I especially like your podcast because it’s daily!!). I’m certain to be your devoted fan!”

- Chanun

JapanesePod101.com,

“I would like to thank everyone at japanesepod101.com for producing such a wonderful podcast. I have been trying to learn Japanese on my own for about 6 months. I have bought all sorts of books and CDs and am making fairly descent progress. I have also managed to scrape together three persons to form the beginnings of a Nihongo club. We meet weekly and go over lessons out of Japanese for Busy People. As of today at lunch, we have met twice. During this meeting one of our members told me about your podcast. I subscribed as soon as we where finished. I have only listened to the first couple of shows but I can’t tell you how excited I am. Your podcast is great. The format and length is perfect and I can’t believe that it’s daily. I’m sure you will soon replace my cup of coffee as the best part of waking up. I would like to thank everyone at japanesepod101 for spending the time and effort to help those around the world who are trying to learn nihongo.”

- Paul

JapanesePod101.com,

“Your site is getting better every day! It’s really been helpful to me and my family members who are learning Japanese.”

- Jack, USA

JapanesePod101.com,

“AMAZING! Or should I say SUGOI! I’m so impressed by the quality of the japanesepodcast101! I came across it by coincidence when it started, and have since then introduced all my friends to it. As I’m studying Japanese, I appreciate the time and effort you guys put into it! Keep up the great work! Doumo Arigatou. Ganbatte Kudasai Guys!”

- Ricardo

Japanesepod101.com,

“I absolutely love the show; I listen to them all repeatedly. Although, I wish the daily lessons were a bit longer, maybe an average of twenty minutes.”

- Nathan

Hey, JapanesePod101.com crew,

“First of all, I want to say, great job for the podcast! I am from Israel and I’ve already studied Japanese for a year and a half, but I still listen to the JapanesePod101.com everyday, and many times. I get new words, which I didn’t know before (e.g. otoshi dama, monosugoi…)”

- Sash

Japanesepod101.com,

“In this weeks news episode you reported about iTunes reviews you got. I wanted to check them out but did’t find them. Well, of course not. I was browsing the German iTunes. So I wrote one! You could probably get it translated by someone at Erklaren, but here’s what I wrote: You know English and want to learn Japanese now? Then check out this podcast. The lessons are not only very instructive but also extremely entertaining.”

- Marvin

Hey there JapanesePod101.com!

“I love your podcast. It’s great. I don’t have to go back over the reams of notebooks I have to check stuff. It’s a nice break from textbooks and flashcards!”

- EV

JapanesePod101.com,

“First of all thanks for a great show! I really enjoy listening to the great pronunciation from both Natsuko, Sakura and the ‘Alpha male’ (forgot his name) - and Peter, it’s not that bad. Thanks again for a great show, you really make your listeners feel comfortable and in good company - and even for me who’s studied Japanese for some years there are loads of small details from real life usage, unique if you want to be really good! Excellent!”

- Emil

OSU!

“First of all I want to say a big doumo arigatou! Your lessons are clear, concise and comprehensive. I really like the way Sakura breaks down the syllables. This techniques helps when learning to read the hiragana.”

- Emil

JapanesePod101.com,

“I will certainly recommend your web whenever I have an opportunity. Finding people ready to help you with this language is really a blessing and, again, thanks a lot for your website. If the internet is the best possible book for language learners, it is thanks to pages like yours.”

- Rafael

Hello everyone at japanesepod101.com.

“I am an avid listener of your show, and I would just like to say “arigatou!” I love Japanese culture and language so when I discovered this podcast, I knew it was for me. Your lessons are all structured very well and I find that by listening to a little bit every day, I can actually pick up some things. I also like how you changed all of your lesson notes to PDF format. This is extremely convenient and is a great resource to have while listening to the lessons.”

- Gillian

Dear Japanesepod101,

“I came across your lovely podcast program when I was checking out iTunes top 100 podcasts. I am from Singapore, now learning Japanese. Your program is very interesting as you have role-playing, which helps us to understand how to apply what we learn. Also you introduced Japanese culture (which I think it may be very beneficial to know, in order to grasp the language better). Thirdly, your team read the words (both) in normal speaking speed & breaking it down to syllabus. Personally, I think it is great! So then I can have a better picture of how to really speak properly. It will also help me in writing. Now I am listening to your program when I travel to my office. It is truly an awesome program. Do keep it up.”

- Lynnette

Ohayou to Peter, Sakura, Natsuko, and Kazunori!

“I love your show- my day feels incomplete without it. I listen to it while I’m commuting, and while I’m waiting for my classes at the UW to start. I feel like I’ve learned so much in a short amount of time, and I definitely couldn’t have done it without your show. Japanesepod101.com is by far the best podcast I’ve come across in my many subscriptions, and my favorite. Japanesepod101. Keep up the great work!”

- Kristin

JapanesePod101.com -

“Thanks for providing this production. I’m sure it must be a lot of work and I greatly appreciate it. I have been using your podcasts as a supplement to my formal Japanese language instruction that I’m receiving at my local community college. With enough shochu and your lessons, I’ll speak like a pro on my next visit to Japan.”

- Brian

JapanesePod101.com,

“Wow! Amazing this really great podcast makes me comment. I really want to learn how to speak Japanese because you know, there are a lot of Japanese tourists here in Hawaii, and I want to use what I have learned here. This podcast really helps, and I hope that you guys are very successful. I really love your voices its very, very easy to understand, especially, Sakura And Peter.”

- IyensLoveit

JapanesePod101.com,

“I’ve recently taken something equivalent to a Japanese 101 class last summer. And gosh does it rub off fast! This podcast is not only great for people with no knowledge of the Japanese Language, but it is also excellent for novices like myself! I find myself listening to it every morning on the bus/subway to school, and it really helps refresh my memory! Good job guys! It is also nice how you not only teach the vocabulary and the like, but also talk about Japanese culture. Please give us more about Japanese holidays as the year passes around! I’m sure many of us would appreciate it and also be fascinated about the events and holidays that happen in Japan! I’d like to also take this opportunity to thank all of you working at Japanesepod101 for making this awesome podcast for all those who like to learn the Japanese language and culture. A big thanks to Peter who is a great host and knows a lot about Japan, and to Sakura who has the most beautiful female voice I’ve ever heard (much better than Noriko Sakai! and all the other female Japanese artists!), and the rest of the crew that helps do the all the tedious stuff in the background to make this happen. (Oh and did I mention how beautiful Sakura’s voice is?)”

- Nelson

JapanesePod101.com,

“I am currently minoring in Japanese at a New Jersey University, and I’ve been looking for the right kind of podcast to help me with my education. I’m currently at the intermediate level, but I often find myself needing to go back and review the basics. Your podcast is absolutely PERFECT in every way! Not only do I get refreshed on the basics, but you also teach me a little more about the Japanese culture and even some phrases I have yet to learn. I particularly like how you break it down into syllabus so I can tell when there’s a long vowel sound. I also am grateful for your notes with each podcasts including both kana and kanji. That helps me so much when I’m learning a new word or phrase from you guys. I really can’t think of a way you can improve, it’s truly perfect! I can’t thank you enough for putting this show out. I would even pay you guys if I could! Keep up the good work, and just know that you are making one student in America very happy.”

- Scott

JapanesePod101.com,

“Hello, my name is Daniel, and the main reason I am sending you this e-mail is to thank you for all your hard work in creating and maintaining this podcast. I’ve been fascinated by Japanese language and culture since before I can remember and have always wanted to learn the language, but never quite had the time nor means to do it. Now thanks to your podcast I can begin to learn it on my own time and I thank you for that! As of now I only know basic words like arigatou and how to count for a bit, but I’m sure by listening to your podcast my knowledge of Japanese language will grow. So in the end I thank you and just want to let you know that you have another person who support’s your cause and now listens to your podcasts!”

- Daniel

JapanesePod101.com,

“Just want to send a quick note to say how much I enjoy the lessons. I came across them on iTunes just last weekend, and have listened to them all up to date. Your instruction is very clear and easy to follow, and I am amazed at how quickly I’m beginning to speak and understand some Japanese. I am planning a trip to Japan in August and hope to learn as much of the language as I can before I go. Your lessons have started me on that path.”

- Eddie

Hi Peter and Sakura

“I just wanted to say thanks - I’m listening to all your podcasts, and I’m learning loads cycling along the streets of London and looking forward to my trip to Japan in May. The lessons are great, you guys are really funny, and I’m really enjoying it.”

- Nat

Hello JapanesePod101.com,

“I love your show. Thank-you very much. I never thought I would be able to pick it up so quickly. Thank-you, I especially enjoy your Survival Phrases.”

- Catie