YouTube is a great resource for Japanese language learners, as you can find videos on almost any Japanese-related topic imaginable. From grammar explanations to listening practice, YouTube provides a wealth of Japanese language content. However, with so many videos and channels on the YouTube platform, you may be confused about where to start.

In this article, I’m sharing five YouTube channels that I recommend so you can find what works for you.

ToKini Andy

ToKini Andy is a prolific YouTuber who, together with his wife Yuki, has created literally hundreds of videos about learning Japanese.

One of his most popular series is one in which he walks through every chapter of the Genki textbook series, reviewing and clarifying the grammar and building practice sentences. He also has videos on Japanese culture, random grammar questions (Do you use ある or いる for plants?), and even a few interviews with our own founder.

Andy is a patient and dedicated teacher who really cares about helping you understand Japanese, and his channel is well worth checking out.

KemushiChan

KemushiChan is a channel about life and language in Japan.

Loretta vlogs about attending university in Japan, studying for the JLPT, searching for an apartment, finding a job, having a baby, and much, much more. If you want to know what life in Japan is really like — staying real about both its highs and lows — KemushiChan is one of the best channels we know of.

Our founder has had a chance to meet Loretta in real life and she is just as genuine in person as she is on camera.

Miku Real Japanese

If you’re preparing for the JLPT N5, N4, or N3, Miku Real Japanese is for you.

Miku teaches beginner to intermediate level Japanese, and I find her channel especially useful for learning grammar. Miku’s grammar explanations are easy to understand, as she incorporates dialogue and quiz questions to reinforce viewers’ understanding. She has a grammar playlist containing 78 videos on Japanese grammar and several other playlists on Japanese basics such as particles and conjugation.

I also appreciate the diversity of her listening videos. From conversations with other Japanese YouTubers, to VLOGs, to monologues, Miku has a variety of listening content that will help you learn Japanese.

三本塾 -Sambon Juku-

The Sambon Juku channel mostly consists of grammar explanations for intermediate to advanced learners (JLPT N3 to N1).

あっきー, the main teacher on Sambon Juku, explains grammar only in Japanese and speaks slowly and clearly enough for viewers to understand. His grammar videos are so good that I always feel like I have a solid grasp of the grammar patterns after watching them.

In addition to grammar, あっきー occasionally collaborates with other YouTubers, answers specific questions about Japanese, and more. I personally recommend Sambon Juku’s keigo playlist, which explains sonkeigo and kenjougo in depth.

日本語の森

The 日本語の森 channel is an excellent mix of educational and entertaining Japanese language videos.

Although 日本語の森 has videos for any Japanese learner regardless of their level, most of the videos target intermediate to advanced learners. It has loads and loads of content for people taking the JLPT N3, N2, and N1, while providing some content on N4 and N5.

The teachers in the videos guide you through grammar, listening comprehension, and even reading comprehension for the JLPT. Sometimes the teachers host live streams and test viewers on JLPT questions in real time.

 日本語の森 also has videos that make learning Japanese fun. For example, Yuka sensei has a couple of videos where she walks viewers through the lyrics of Japanese songs.

Conclusion

With so many options available, it can be hard to choose which channel to watch to learn Japanese, so hopefully this article points you in some useful directions. Using online resources like YouTube to study outside of class will help you make big strides in your learning. Whether you want to revisit a grammar point, practice your listening skills, or find something fun to watch in Japanese, the channels listed above have it all. Definitely check these channels out when you have the chance!