In the wake of the pandemic, the global fascination with Japanese culture and media continues to thrive, leaving many with a burning desire to experience Japan outside of its borders. If you have yet to visit Japan, thankfully, there’s an exciting way to satiate your curiosity and immerse yourself in the wonders of this country, even from afar – through the captivating world of Japan podcasts.
This comprehensive article unveils a handpicked selection of Japan podcasts perfectly suited to transport you to the heart of Japan, no matter where you are in the world. Whether you’re yearning for casual conversations, captivating stories, insights into Japan’s ever-evolving landscape, or Japanese learning materials, these podcasts offer a compelling alternative for those eager to experience Japan outside of Japan’s physical borders. So, embark on your virtual journey through Japan’s podcasts and indulge in the essence of Japan from the comfort of your own headphones.
Growth of Japan Podcasts
Japan’s podcasting landscape has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, with an ever-increasing number of listeners tuning in regularly. Based on a December 2022 survey conducted by Asahi Shimbun, it’s evident that podcasts are steadily gaining momentum in Japan. Remarkably, the survey reveals that 15.7% of people in Japan now tune in to online audio podcasts at least once a month. When we consider Japan’s population figures and internet usage rates, this statistic translates into an estimated 16.8 million active podcast listeners across the country.
What’s particularly intriguing is that this podcasting phenomenon isn’t confined to Japanese natives alone. Even foreigners living in Japan have enthusiastically embraced this culture, fostering a dynamic and diverse podcasting community.
This surge in the consumption of Japan podcasts is propelled by the medium’s versatility, offering a diverse range of content that caters to various interests. Whether it’s a deep dive into Japanese culture, language lessons, or engaging conversations on an array of topics, podcasts have firmly established themselves as a mainstream and accessible form of media in Japan.
Lifestyle Podcasts
Embarking on a journey to experience life in Japan has never been more accessible, thanks to these exceptional Japan podcasts. They offer a delightful blend of insights into Japanese culture, entertaining travel anecdotes, and intriguing celebrity gossip. If you want to live in Japan or are simply curious about this fascinating country, then don’t miss the opportunity to tune into these enlightening Japan podcasts.
Abroad in Japan
Meet Chris Broad: the creator behind Abroad in Japan, a YouTube sensation with 2.5 million subscribers. His podcast, also named Abroad in Japan, offers exclusive insights into his 10-year journey living in Japan. Join Chris and co-host Pete Donaldson as they delve into Japanese culture, food, and travel, and engage with listeners through weekly stories and Q&A sessions. Explore one of the top Japan podcasts for a unique perspective on living in Japan.
- Episode Count: 450+ Episodes
- Average Episode Length: 30 minutes
- Upload Frequency: Every Sunday and Wednesday (Updated: 8/22/2023)
Voices in Japan
Uncover the true Japan: Based in Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, join Burke, Ben, and Matt every week on one of the most insightful Japan podcasts. Get a genuine look into Japanese life with personal experiences and opinions covering everything from work and language learning to customs, holidays, traditions, and more.
- Episode Count: 190+ episodes
- Average Episode Length: 45 minutes
- Upload Frequency: Roughly 3 times a month (Updated: 8/22/2023)
Transformations with Jayne
Empowering women in Japan: Transformations with Jayne, where Jayne Nakata, a long-time resident of Fukushima Prefecture in Japan, delves into the inspiring stories of international women thriving in Japan. In this Japan podcast, Jayne not only introduces these remarkable women but also explores how they’ve crafted fulfilling lives in Japan. Jayne is the creator of the award winning PodLaunch with Jayne agency and BYO (Build Your Own) PodLaunch a system for creating and maintaining the podcast you always wanted.
- Episode Count: 140+ episodes
- Average Episode Length: 1 hour
- Upload Frequency: Monthly (Updated: 8/22/2023)
TAKASHii from Japan
The unique voice of Japan: Explore the intriguing world of Japan through eye-opening interviews by TAKASHii, a prominent content creator based in Japan. With an engaging YouTube channel and Tiktok (@takahashiifromjapan), TAKASHii provides an authentic and immersive experience of Japanese culture, lifestyle, and travel. Check out his videos and podcasts and discover a wealth of insights, tips, and firsthand experiences that shed light on the multifaceted aspects of Japan from the perspectives of a diverse group of people.
Watch this interview where a former employee of Scaling Your Company’s CEO’s other company, One Coin English, shares heartwarming experiences and insights about teaching English in Japan.
- Video Count: 200+ videos
- Average Video Length: 15 mins
- Upload Frequency: Once a week (Updated: 8/22/2023)
Japanese Culture Podcasts
At the heart of every nation lies its unique culture, and Japan’s cultural heritage, cultivated over centuries, is nothing short of fascinating. Learn more about Japanese culture through the lens of these outstanding Japan podcasts. Here, you’ll go on a journey that unravels the diverse facets of Japan, from its delectable cuisine to enchanting folktales, cherished traditions, and storied history.
Japan Eats!
Explore Japanese cuisine: Akiko Katayama, director of The New York Japanese Culinary Academy, guides you through the flavors of Japan in her podcast, Japan Eats! Join her and a new guest each week to explore unique Japanese ingredients and dishes, while uncovering the rich culture and traditions behind each culinary delight. Japan Eats! is your passport to the world of Japanese cuisine in the world of Japan podcasts.
- Episode Count: 300+ Episodes
- Average Episode Length: 55 minutes
- Upload Frequency: Roughly weekly (Updated: 8/22/2023)
Uncanny Japan
Discover the mysteries of Japan: Theresa Matsuura is your guide to the captivating realm of Japanese legends and superstitions in her podcast, Uncanny Japan. With a profound passion for these mystical tales, she transports listeners into the enigmatic heart of Japan, sharing peculiar stories and cultural oddities. What sets this apart from other Japan podcasts is its immersive storytelling, allowing legends to come to life.
- Episode Count: 130+ episodes
- Average Episode Length: 15 minutes
- Upload Frequency: Twice a month (Updated: 8/22/2023)
History of Japan
Unlock the history of Japan: Isaac Meyer, a history enthusiast with a specialization in Japan’s post-1600 history, invites you on an educational journey through one of the most educational Japan podcasts, History of Japan. This podcast is tailor-made for those who aren’t history experts but are eager to unravel the story of how Japan evolved into the wonderful country it is today. Starting with a foundation of Japan’s general timeline, Isaac then leads you on an engaging exploration of various thematic discussions.
- Episode Count: 500+ Episodes
- Average Episode Length: 30 minutes
- Upload Frequency: Every Friday (Updated: 8/22/2023)
Japan Archives
Storytelling with friends: Heather and Thomas, friends residing in different corners of Japan, come together as the dynamic hosts of the podcast Japan Archives. In this unique podcast, Thomas unveils captivating myths and folklore from Japanese history, while Heather shares remarkable poems, songs, and proverbs that showcase the depth of Japanese culture. This duo’s synergy creates a special listening experience, as they seamlessly blend storytelling and cultural insights to educate and entertain their audience.
- Episode Count: 130+ episodes
- Average Episode Length: 25 minutes
- Upload Frequency: Roughly twice a month (inactive)
- Latest episode date: 06/26/2023 (Updated: 08/22/2023)
Business Podcasts
Japan boasts one of the world’s largest economies, and within its dynamic business landscape lie fascinating stories waiting to be told. Dive into the heart of Japan’s business scene with the following Japan podcasts, where you’ll gain insights and expertise from industry leaders. For a deeper understanding of these Japan business podcasts and to discover episode recommendations, don’t hesitate to explore this informative article.
Scaling Japan
Business experts in Japan: Meet Tyson Batino, the visionary behind Scaling Your Company, a business coaching firm dedicated to empowering business owners to scale from ¥8 million to ¥1000 million. In each captivating episode of the Scaling Japan podcast, Tyson collaborates with seasoned business experts in Japan who generously share their experiences and invaluable insights. This Japan podcast serves as an invaluable resource for ambitious business owners eager to propel their companies to new heights.
- Episode Count: 49 Episodes
- Average Episode Length: 30 minutes
- Upload Frequency: Roughly 2 times a month (Updated: 08/22/2023)
Now and Zen Japan
Business and culture: Andrew Hankinson, the senior managing director at Zwilling J. A. Henckels Japan Ltd, also takes on the role of the enthusiastic host of Now and Zen Japan. This podcast serves as a platform for Japan experts to share their enlightening stories and invaluable lessons from the worlds of Japanese business and culture. With its distinctive lineup of professionals hailing from diverse backgrounds, the Now and Zen Japan podcast offers a truly engaging listening experience.
- Episode Count: 70+ Episodes
- Average Episode Length: 45 minutes
- Upload Frequency: Once a month (Updated: 8/22/2023)
Business Sucess Japan
Japanese business landscape: Lydia Beukelman, an assistant language teacher in Japan, guides us through the intricate world of Japanese business as the host of the Business Success Japan podcast. Her unique perspective takes a cultural approach to understanding business dynamics in Japan, offering valuable insights into the current business environment. This Japan podcast serves as a trusted resource, keeping listeners well-informed about the latest trends and developments in the ever-evolving Japanese business landscape.
- Episode Count: 75+ Episodes
- Average Episode Length: 45 minutes
- Upload Frequency: Once a month (Updated 8/22/2023)
Disrupting Japan
Startups in Japan: Tim Romero, the head of Google for Startups Japan, leads the charge as the host of Disrupting Japan, the first and largest among Japan podcastsdedicated to the vibrant world of startups. In each episode, Tim collaborates with founders and CEOs to dive into the thrilling realm of groundbreaking innovations, providing unique insights into the ever-evolving startup landscape in Japan. This podcast serves as an invaluable resource for those eager to stay ahead of the curve, shedding light on exciting new ventures and tracking the dynamic changes within the Japanese startup scene.
- Episode Count: 200+ Episodes
- Average Episode Length: 30 minutes
- Upload Frequency: Once a month (Updated 8/21/2023)
Japan Business Mastery Show
Business 101: Dr. Greg Story, a master trainer at Dale Carnegie Tokyo Japan, hosts six distinct Japan podcasts. Among them, the Japan Mastery Show stands out, offering concise and efficient coverage of a wide range of business topics. Ideal for time-conscious listeners seeking to expand their knowledge of business in Japan.
- Episode Count: 190+ Episodes
- Average Episode Length: 10 minutes
- Upload Frequency: Weekly (Updated 8/22/2023)
Japanese Language
If the thought of slogging through textbooks and workbooks leaves you weary, look no further. Explore the following selection of podcasts tailored to help you enhance your Japanese language proficiency. These Japan podcasts offer an array of lessons covering various aspects of grammar, essential phrases, and much more, making your learning journey not only effective but also enjoyable.
Learn Japanese Pod
Dialogue and discussion: Meet the delightful trio of hosts, Alex Brooke, Asuka Naito, and Ami Sensei, who lead the way on the Learn Japanese Pod. This engaging podcast offers a rich learning experience with dedicated episodes focused on Japanese dialogues and comprehensive discussions on Japanese grammar. Additionally, every Friday brings a touch of excitement with ‘Fun Friday’ episodes, featuring captivating conversations with fascinating guests from Japan, making it one of the must-listen Japan podcasts for language enthusiasts and culture explorers alike.
- Episode Count: 160+ Episodes
- Average Episode Length: 45 minutes
- Upload Frequency: Roughly once a month (Updated 8/22/2023)
Tofugu
Where language and culture meet: Tofugu, a prominent Japanese learning website, extends its expertise to the world of podcasting. The Tofugu podcast serves as an invaluable companion to their comprehensive platform. Not only does it provide a thorough breakdown of essential Japanese grammar points, but it also offers enlightening insights into various cultural facets of Japan. Structured to accommodate learners ranging from beginner to intermediate, this podcast is a versatile resource that caters to your specific learning needs.
- Episode Count: 110+ Episodes
- Average Episode Length: 1 hour
- Upload Frequency: Roughly monthly (inactive)
- Latest episode: 04/25/2023 (Updated: 8/22/2023)
Japanese with Shun
Your companion in learning Japanese: This podcast by Italki sensei Shun, thoughtfully crafted for beginners to intermediate learners, offers a clear and engaging path to mastering the language. With a primary focus on Genki 1 grammar, Shun provides a seamless learning experience, making Japanese more accessible and enjoyable. Dedicated to assisting learners at every step, he is here to guide you to your next level of Japanese proficiency. Your language journey is their priority, and he is thrilled to be your companion along the way.
- Episode Count: 230+ Episodes
- Average Episode Length: 4 minutes
- Upload Frequency: Roughly weekly (Updated: 8/22/2023)
Japanese podcast for beginners (Nihongo con Teppei)
Daily Japanese: When it comes to Japaan podcasts for language learners, none shine brighter than Nihongo Con Teppei. This daily podcast is a treasure trove for those seeking to learn Japanese naturally and effortlessly. Teppei, a native Japanese speaker fluent in Spanish and English, guides you through the language with a unique blend of expertise and cultural insight. The name ‘Nihongo Con Teppei’ itself is a testament to his linguistic abilities, with ‘con’ meaning ‘with’ in Spanish.
- Episode Count: 960+ Episodes
- Average Episode Length: 4 minutes
- Upload Frequency: Daily (Updated: 8/24/2023)
Japan Podcasts Today
In 2023, the podcasting scene in Japan has continued to flourish, captivating audiences with its diverse array of content. The demand for quality Japan-focused podcasts has surged, and the community has responded with exceptional shows. As the curator of this list, I’m delighted to report that all the podcasts featured here are still active and running, delivering top-notch content consistently.
Quality remains a priority, and each podcast on this list maintains solid production values, offering genuinely interesting insights into life in Japan. These shows aren’t just about quantity; they have something meaningful to say, making them must-listens for anyone keen on Japan.
In an ever-evolving media landscape, it’s worth noting that podcasts are also branching out into other forms such as YouTube and TikTok. These platforms are becoming increasingly popular, catering to the changing preferences of today’s audiences. As the world of Japan-focused content continues to expand, we invite you to explore these remarkable podcasts.
