Nihongo Master

S13E9: The Top 5 Don't Do's During Japanese Summer!

There are always guides on what to do in Japanese summer - what about what NOT to do? Loads of online posts would tell you what you shouldn’t miss and what you must do when you travel to Japan during the summer, but in this episode, we give you the top 5 don'ts! This is podcast host Azra's last episode on the podcast - listen to the end of this episode for a special message from Azra. Azra's Instagram: @azrasyakirah PODCAST EXCLUSIVE FOR SEASON 13: Enter "JAPANSUMMER" at checko...

S13E8: Study Saturday - Surely... (きっと)

We're definitely sure about something - why not express it? In this bite-sized language learning episode, we learn how to express that in Japanese! This is podcast host Azra's last episode on the Study Saturday series - listen to the end of this episode for a special message from Azra. PODCAST EXCLUSIVE FOR SEASON 13: Enter "JAPANSUMMER" at checkout for 50% off your entire subscription at NihongoMaster.com! Start Learning with Nihongo Master!  Website Facebook Instagram Twit...

S13E7: Beat the Heat with These 5 Japanese Summer Cuisine!

Podcast host Azra covers another Japanese summer topic for you today! It’s a fun one: we look at the top 5 Japanese summer cuisines you can devour to beat the heat!  Japan is big on regional and seasonal dishes, so when you’re on a trip to Japan in summer, take this opportunity to try out dishes that you can only get in summer!  We’ll highlight the top 5 ones that are extremely famous during the season, and extremely cooling on the inside too.  PODCAST EXCLUSIVE FOR SEASON 13: En...

S13E6: Study Saturday - Approximately... (くらい・ぐらい)

This week's grammar point is extremely simple.  We’re looking at how to give approximates by saying “approximately” or “about” or “around”.  And to do that in Japanese, there are two words we can use: kurai or gurai.  PODCAST EXCLUSIVE FOR SEASON 13: Enter "JAPANSUMMER" at checkout for 50% off your entire subscription at NihongoMaster.com! Start Learning with Nihongo Master!  Website Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube Music: https://www.purple-planet.com ​ ​About Nihongo...

S13E5: Tips for Travelling to Japan in Summer!

As we mentioned quite a few times before, Japanese summer can be quite drastic in comparison to some of the summers you guys are used to. So why not prepare in advance in terms of what you pack so you can beat most of the heat? PODCAST EXCLUSIVE FOR SEASON 13: Enter "JAPANSUMMER" at checkout for 50% off your entire subscription at NihongoMaster.com! Start Learning with Nihongo Master!  Website Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube Music: https://www.purple-planet.com ​ ​Abou...

S13E3: Obon, Japan's Biggest Summer Festival

Today we’ll zoom into Japan’s biggest summer festival, and that’s Obon. Podcast host Azra will be introducing the background, practices, and traditions; and talking about some of the key festival language. Keep your ears tuned for some useful and interesting related vocabulary as we go along PODCAST EXCLUSIVE FOR SEASON 13: Enter "JAPANSUMMER" at checkout for 50% off your entire subscription at NihongoMaster.com! Start Learning with Nihongo Master!  Website Facebook Instagram...

S13E4: Study Saturday - Suddenly... (急に)

This week's Study Saturday will be short and simple, because there’s only one phrase to learn to say “suddenly” and that’s: kyuu ni (急に). This language series offers bite-sized language learning episodes are formatted just like the Nihongo Master online learning system — we start out by explaining the grammar point, exemplifying them with a few example situations and then wrapping it up with a list of vocabulary words we just learned in the episode. PODCAST EXCLUSIVE FOR SEASON 13...

S13E2: Study Saturday - Conjugating Negative Forms

Podcast host Azra is stripping it down to one of the basics for this week’s Study Saturday. We'll look at how to conjugate the negative forms for verbs, adjectives and nouns! It’s one of the first few conjugations, if not the first, that you learn of the Japanese language! PODCAST EXCLUSIVE FOR SEASON 13: Enter "JAPANSUMMER" at checkout for 50% off your entire subscription at NihongoMaster.com! Start Learning with Nihongo Master!  Website Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube ...

S13E1: 3 Best Activities to Do During Japanese Summer

The theme of Season 13, which is only one month long, is... Japanese Summer! Are we ready to say goodbye to knits and cardigans, and welcome linen dresses and straw hats?  As we start the new month of June, we’re also welcoming the hottest season of the year. And Japan’s summer is not only hot and humid, it is one of the most eventful times of the year!  So to kick this season off, we’re going to look at the top 3 things to do during Japanese summer!  PODCAST EXCLUSIVE FOR SEASON...

S12E14: Discussing Japanese Fashion Evolution with Japan Web Magazine!

Join podcast host Azra and our special guest, Anna from Japan Wireless and Japan Web Magazine, as they discuss Japanese fashion through their own experiences and observation. PODCAST EXCLUSIVE: Enter "FASHION" at checkout for 50% off your entire subscription at NihongoMaster.com! Start Learning with Nihongo Master!  Website Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube Music: https://www.purple-planet.com ​ ​About Nihongo Master Podcast A podcast for Japanese culture enthusiasts and...

S12E12: Is There Japonism in Fashion?

As part of our "Japanese Fashion" theme, we’ll be looking today is Japonism in fashion - looking at how Japanese fashion influenced other parts of the world, back then and today.  If you haven’t already noticed, a lot of fashion styles today came from Japanese fashion, but pinpointing exactly where and how it came about that way has not been discussed much. So we’ll dip our toes in that today. PODCAST EXCLUSIVE: Enter "FASHION" at checkout for 50% off your entire subscription at N...

S12E13: Study Saturday - Completely/Accidentally Did... Part 2 (ちゃう・じゃう)

This week is a continuation of last week’s Study Saturday, where we were looking at how to say “I completely or accidentally did” something.  Podcast host Azra covers the usage of "chau" and "jau". The Study Saturday language series breaks down Japanese grammar points in a fun and easy way! These bite-sized language learning episodes are formatted just like the Nihongo Master online learning system — we start out by explaining the grammar point, exemplifying them with a few example...

S12E13: Study Saturday - Completely/Accidentally Do... Part 2 (ちゃう・じゃう)

This week is a continuation of last week’s Study Saturday, where we were looking at how to say “I completely or accidentally did” something.  Podcast host Azra covers the usage of "chau" and "jau". The Study Saturday language series breaks down Japanese grammar points in a fun and easy way! These bite-sized language learning episodes are formatted just like the Nihongo Master online learning system — we start out by explaining the grammar point, exemplifying them with a few example...

S12E11: Study Saturday - Completely/Accidentally Do... Part 1 (てしまう)

For this week’s Study Saturday, we are going to dive a little deeper into the world of Japanese grammar. We’re looking at one out of two ways to say “accidentally do” or “completely do” something in Japanese, using "te shimau". We’ll cover the second way of saying it in next week’s episode. The Study Saturday language series breaks down Japanese grammar points in a fun and easy way! These bite-sized language learning episodes are formatted just like the Nihongo Master online learni...

S12E10: Origins and Evolution of the Famous 'Sukajan'

Canadian singer, The Weeknd, once said, “For my generation, the bomber jacket is like a replacement for the suit jacket. It’s a piece that men wear every day, and it’s something I would wear for any occasion.” True enough, the Japanese bomber jacket known as 'sukajan' has been blowing up the streets and Instagram feeds. And when fashion enthusiasts (and even those who are not) find themselves in Japan, snagging a Japanese bomber jacket is basically senseless — it’s the perfect fash...

S12E9: Study Saturday - To Become... (になる・くなる)

This week, podcast host Azra is going to cover one of the basics: how to say “to become”, which uses “naru” in Japanese. It’s one of the first few grammar points you’ll learn in Japanese language learning school. The vStudy Saturday language series breaks down Japanese grammar points in a fun and easy way! These bite-sized language learning episodes are formatted just like the Nihongo Master online learning system — we start out by explaining the grammar point, exemplifying them wi...

S12E8: What is Japanese Golden Week?

There’s nothing busier than Golden Week in Japan — the tourism industry booms every year during this time as people plan big vacations domestically as well as abroad.  Hotels, flights, transport and attractions will be booked up and packed; prices are through the roof! You may also find that some of the local businesses are closed during this week as the locals take time off to visit their family in a different prefecture or also travel for leisure themselves as well! This episode...

S12E7: 3 Expectations VS Reality of Japanese Fashion Culture

Podcast host Azra believes it would be fun to have an expectation vs reality: Japanese fashion version — because what we read and see online about the fashion scene in Japan is not exactly how it is like in real life.  We look at three parts of what we expect Japan’s fashion scene to be, and the actual reality of it. Are you ready? PODCAST EXCLUSIVE: Enter "FASHION" at checkout for 50% off your entire subscription at NihongoMaster.com! Start Learning with Nihongo Master!  Websit...

S12E6: Study Saturday - Not Much/Really... (あまり〜ない)

Have you ever felt like you’re just a tad hungry, or need to say that you don’t really like something? This Study Saturday episode will teach you how to say that and more. We’re going to look at how to say “not very” or “not much” in Japanese. The Study Saturday language series breaks down Japanese grammar points in a fun and easy way! These bite-sized language learning episodes are formatted just like the Nihongo Master online learning system — we start out by explaining the gramm...

S12E5: Japanese Street Fashion - Then, Now And A Fun How-To Guide

If you’ve kept up-to-date with the latest fashion trends and styles, you’d know that streetwear has been dominating the scene recently, particularly Japanese streetwear.  Japan’s basically the OG of streetwear — a stroll around Harajuku and Shibuya neighbourhoods will leave any streetwear enthusiasts buzzing and positively overwhelmed. In this episode, we take a look at the origins of Japanese street fashion, how it is today and a quick guide on how to get all decked up in Japanes...

S12E4: Study Saturday - I'm Good/Bad At... (上手・下手)

This week’s Study Saturday looks into learning how to say: "good or bad at something". The Study Saturday language series breaks down Japanese grammar points in a fun and easy way! These bite-sized language learning episodes are formatted just like the Nihongo Master online learning system — we start out by explaining the grammar point, exemplifying them with a few example situations and then wrapping it up with a list of vocabulary words we just learned in the episode. PODCAST EX...

S12E3: Kimono, Japan's Most Iconic Traditional Clothing

The word “kimono” has been thrown around as casually and as often a word can be, but do people actually know what it is? At some point in our lives we’ve heard about the kimono, or even worn a clothing piece that resembles it. But the kimono is not just a fashion style — it has quite a culturally rich history, so much that the internet is saturated with all sorts of information on it.  In this episode, podcast host Azra neatly compartmentalises all you ever need to know about this...

S12E2: Study Saturday - Already... Anymore... (もう)

This week’s Study Saturday will be yet another one that’s easy to incorporate into your everyday conversations. It seems that a lot of you love short and simple grammar with multiple usages, so I have another one for you today: This grammar can be used to say two things: already and anymore.  Doesn’t it blow your mind that just one phrase can do both? PODCAST EXCLUSIVE: Enter "FASHION" at checkout for 50% off your entire subscription at NihongoMaster.com! Start Learning with Ni...

S12E1: The Yin and Yang of Japanese Fashion

Kicking off Season 12's theme of "Japanese Fashion", this first episode will have the topic of what I call the yin and yang of Japanese fashion, and that’s because there are two sides to this country’s fashion scene, which are not just opposites but also complementary. Episode one will give you a tease into what this season has in store, by giving an overview of wafuku and yofuku respectively. PODCAST EXCLUSIVE: Enter "FASHION" at checkout for 50% off your entire subscription at N...

S11E9: Wrap Up Japanese Spring with John From Japan Australia!

S11E8: Study Saturday - Not Yet... Still... (まだ〜ない・まだ)

S11E7: The Top 3 Japanese Spring Festivals!

S11E6: Study Saturday - Things Such As... (たり〜たり)

S10E6: Study Saturday - Things Such As... (たり〜たり)

S11E5: The Hanami Culture

S11E4: Study Saturday - Whether or Not... (かどうか)

Podcast host Azra is bringing you another simple yet very commonly used grammar point for this week’s Study Saturday: we’re going to look at how to say "whether or not…" The Study Saturday language series breaks down Japanese grammar points in a fun and easy way! These bite-sized language learning episodes are formatted just like the Nihongo Master online learning system — we start out by explaining the grammar point, exemplify them with a few example situations and then wrap it up...

S11E3: What is White Day, and How to Celebrate It?

This episode is all about White Day — what it is, how it came about, and how to celebrate it! If you don’t know what White Day is, you’ve come to the right place. It’s like Valentine’s Day, but in March. Podcast host Azra will let you in on some tips on how to wow your lady on March 14th! Start Learning with Nihongo Master!  Website Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube Music: https://www.purple-planet.com ​ ​About Nihongo Master Podcast A podcast for Japanese culture enth...

S11E2: Study Saturday - Japanese Particles

This Study Saturday is kind of a follow-up from our previous one, where we looked at two particles “kara” and “made”, to mean from and until. Check that one out if you haven’t already! In this episode, we’ll look at Japanese particles! It’s one of the first things you notice when learning Japanese is the particles. We don’t have those in the English language, so it might be a bit difficult to fully grasp its usage when you’re first starting out. Now, you’ve come to the right place...

S11E1: How Significant is Sakura in Japanese Culture?

We’re kicking off a new season yet again! Season 11’s theme is a little more fun and lighter than the previous one, but it’s also shorter. As we welcome the month of March, we also say goodbye to winter and hello to spring — this season will look at Japanese Spring! And what do we associate spring in Japan with? I don’t know about you, but I automatically think of cherry blossoms. The unofficial flower of Japan is going to be the topic to kick this season off!  The flower and ever...

S10E14: Discuss Japanese Mannerisms with TikToker Matcha Samurai!

Season 10’s topic is “Mannerisms in Japan”, and we have looked at the various aspects of Japanese etiquette that are different from the rest of the world. Because it’s a topic that’s high in popular demand, podcaster Azra thought to have someone else join in to wrap up the season with! In this season finale episode, TikToker Matcha Samurai joins our host in discussing the various aspects of Japanese mannerisms, including sharing personal experiences. Start Learning with Nihongo Ma...

S10E13: Study Saturday - From...Until... (から・まで)

As you read from the title, we’re going to break down the way to say “from…until…” in Japanese! When you look at it, it’s actually not really a grammar point. Technically, we’ll be using two particles for this: kara (から) and made (まで). The Study Saturday language series breaks down Japanese language and grammar points in a fun and easy way! These bite-sized language learning episodes are formatted just like the Nihongo Master online learning system, so tune in for a sneak peek at ...

S10E12: Proper Etiquette For These 3 Japanese Occasions

Every culture has a certain way of doing things, and it’s no different in Japan.  As part of Season 10's theme of "Japanese Mannerisms", this episode will cover a few different special occasions along with the unique customs and mannerisms that come with them: weddings, funerals, and home visits.  Yes, the last one is sort of an occasion on its own, so you’ll have to tune in to the second half of this episode to know more. Start Learning with Nihongo Master!  Website Facebook ...

S10E11: Study Saturday - Romantic Japanese Phrases to Use on Valentine's Day!

As part of our Valentine's Day special episode, we discuss a few romantic phrases in Japanese to use this upcoming romantic holiday! Nothing makes the heart skip a beat than when our partner showers us with compliments and says romantic stuff. Regardless of which stage in a relationship you’re in, or even if you’re not in a relationship at all but have someone you fancy, there’s going to be a Japanese phrase that we’re covering today that you can use. We have four sections: con...

S10E10: The Uniqueness of Japanese Dating Culture (Valentine's Day Special)

Podcast host Azra breaks down the dating culture in Japan!  Just like the rest of Japanese culture, dating in Japan isn’t exactly the same as in the rest of the world. If you’ve watched your fair share of anime and J dramas, you’d realise that already. So, as a Valentine’s Day special since it’s just around the corner, we’re going to walk you through the Japanese dating culture, in three phrases: the dating phase, the commitment phase and the getting physical phase.  Take this as...

S10E10: The Ins and Outs of Japanese Dating Culture (Valentine's Day Special)

Podcast host Azra breaks down the dating culture in Japan!  Just like the rest of Japanese culture, dating in Japan isn’t exactly the same as in the rest of the world. If you’ve watched your fair share of anime and J dramas, you’d realise that already. So, as a Valentine’s Day special since it’s just around the corner, we’re going to walk you through the Japanese dating culture, in three phrases: the dating phase, the commitment phase and the getting physical phase.  Take this as...

S10E9: Study Saturday - While... (ながら)

Do you do two things at the same time? Learn this grammar point "while" to express that in Japanese! Study Saturday is a language learning series of the podcast, formatted just like Nihongo Master's online learning system. If you like this series, get a subscription with us now! Start Learning with Nihongo Master!  Website Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube Music: https://www.purple-planet.com ​ ​About Nihongo Master Podcast A podcast for Japanese culture enthusiasts and...

S10E8: Top 5 Rules on Japanese Work Behaviour

At work, you gotta behave. But in a Japanese work environment, different rules apply. In this episode, podcast host Azra lists down five rules to follow when at work in Japan. Start Learning with Nihongo Master!  Website Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube Music: https://www.purple-planet.com ​ ​About Nihongo Master Podcast A podcast for Japanese culture enthusiasts and language learners. Brought to you by NihongoMaster.com, an e-learning site focused on helping learners ...

S10E7: Essential Japanese Etiquette For Travellers

Japanese mannerisms are abundant, and some might say that there are a bit too many to remember in a short period of time for a short trip. Podcast host Azra gives more of an overview of a very popular collection of Japanese mannerisms in this episode, and that’s those for travellers! The other episodes in this season are zoomed into various etiquette categories, like greetings and table manners. And of course, they are just as important as the ones mentioned in this episode.  But...

S10E6: Study Saturday - And... (と・や・〜て)

In this week's episode of Study Saturday, we look at the various ways to say "and" in Japanese! Unlike in English, the way you connect various types of words varies. Connecting verbs and connecting nouns aren't the same!  But don't worry, podcast host Azra breaks them down step-by-step for you in a fun and easy way, then put them to use with a few roleplaying scenarios. Start Learning with Nihongo Master!  Website Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube Music: https://www.purple...

S10E5: Japanese Table Manners

While ramen and sushi have become dinnertime mainstays around the world, the customs that go along with them were mostly all left behind in Japan. And it’s no secret that there are a lot of them in the Japanese culture. Podcast host Azra walks down the fundamentals of Japanese table manners in this episode! You might want to take notes so you can brush up on your ways of eating ramen and sushi before your Japan trip. Start Learning with Nihongo Master!  Website Facebook Instag...

S10E4: Study Saturday - Because... (から・ので)

The connector "because" is an easy way to level up your Nihongo game. Tune in to this episode of the Study Saturday language series to learn two easy ways to say this in Japanese! Podcast host Azra also throws in a few roleplaying scenarios exemplifying the new grammar in this episode. Start Learning with Nihongo Master!  Website Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube Music: https://www.purple-planet.com ​ ​About Nihongo Master Podcast A podcast for Japanese culture enthusiast...

S10E3: The Proper Etiquette to Japanese Greetings!

There’s nothing more important than greetings, it’s crucial we have that covered as soon as possible. After all, it’s the first impression that sticks with us. In this episode, podcaster Azra highlights three important points to acing the Japanese greeting etiquette: formality in speech, addressing titles and names, and bowing. Once you know what to do for each and every point, you’ll master the proper Japanese greeting etiquette. And trust me when I say that it’s not that diffic...

S10E2: Study Saturday - Conjugating Adjectives

Conjugation is crucial in the Japanese language, and so are adjectives. In this episode of the Study Saturday language series, we go through step-by-step how to conjugate Japanese adjectives! Start Learning with Nihongo Master!  Website Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube Music: https://www.purple-planet.com ​ ​About Nihongo Master Podcast A podcast for Japanese culture enthusiasts and language learners. Brought to you by NihongoMaster.com, an e-learning site focused on he...

S10E1: The Very Basics of Japanese Mannerisms!

Welcome to a new season of the Nihongo Master Podcast! Season 10's theme is 'Etiquette and Mannerisms'. To kick off this fresh new season, we cover the very basics of Japanese mannerisms. The four points covered in this episode will be recurring themes in Season 10, so tune in and take notes. We're in for a wild ride! Start Learning with Nihongo Master!  Website Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube Music: https://www.purple-planet.com ​ ​About Nihongo Master Podcast A podcas...

S9E9: What Happens During Japanese New Year