Japanese from Scratch with YUKO
By: Yuko
Language: en
Categories: Education, Language, Learning
This is a podcast for beginner-level Japanese learners who want to get used to the rhythm and basic vocabulary of the language. Each episode will discuss different topics such as introducing yourself, hobbies, favorite foods, lifestyle questions, useful phrases when traveling to Japan and more. The host(s) will speak clear and natural Japanese.
Episodes
#78 Let's Watch Japanese Movies?
Jan 10, 2026In the last episode, we talked about Japanese music.
Listening to Japanese music is a great way to study Japanese.
But music isn’t the only option.
Watching Japanese movies, TV dramas, and anime is also a really good way to learn.
So today, I’d like to introduce famous Japanese film directors and some of my favorite Japanese movies.
Please enjoy listening!
Duration: 00:14:10#77 Let's sing Japanese songs!
Dec 27, 2025Today, I’d like to talk about Japanese songs.
Do you like listening to music?
If you do, Japanese songs can be a great way to learn Japanese.
I'll introduce various Japanese music and popular J-pos artists!
#76 Most commonly used Japanese Phrases ～Yoroshiku onegaishimasu
Dec 20, 2025Some Japanese expressions that are used very often in daily life can be confusing.
Today, we’ll talk about one of the most useful phrases in Japanese —“yoroshiku onegaishimasu.”
Also I will answer to a very common question the difference between "Sumimasen" and "Sumimasen deshita".
Please enjoy!
Duration: 00:10:15#75 Onomatopoeia ～ Doki-doki, Waku-waku etc!
Dec 13, 2025Do you know some of Japanese onomatopia?
In Japanese, onomatopoeia are words that describe sounds, feelings, movements, or the way things look.
Today, I will introduce 10 beginner-friendly onomatopoeia with example sentences. Please enjoy!
Duration: 00:13:59#74 I have to prepare for the trip.
Nov 15, 2025Do you have any trip plans coming up?
Today, I’m going to introduce some phrases you can use to talk about what you have to do before a trip.
I have a small announcement. We’ll be taking a short break for a few weeks—or maybe about a month, but please listen to the past episodes during the break, and feel free to leave comments with topic ideas or questions!
Duration: 00:13:45#73 Katakana Words
Nov 08, 2025Today, we are going to talk about katakana words in Japanese.
Words borrowed from foreign languages are usually written in katakana. For English speakers, katakana words might look easy at first. But in reality, their pronunciation and sometimes even the meaning can be quite different from English.
So today, we will introduce katakana words in three categories to help you understand and use them more naturally!
Duration: 00:13:44#72 How's the weather? ～Tenki wa Doo desu ka?
Oct 31, 2025Today, we’re going to talk about weather expressions in Japanese.
You’ll learn how to say things like “It’s sunny,” “It’s raining,” and “The wind is blowing.”
Please enjoy listening!
#71 When Your Friend Isn’t Feeling Well
Oct 24, 2025In the last episode, we learned how to talk about your own condition.
This time, let’s learn what to say to someone who isn’t feeling well — how to give gentle advice and care for them.
Please enjoy !
Duration: 00:12:10#70 How to Talk About Your Condition
Oct 17, 2025Today’s topic is “How to talk about your condition” in Japanese.
You’ll learn some very common phrases that Japanese people use when they feel good, tired, or a bit sick.
Please enjoy listening!
Duration: 00:12:36#69 Verbs! wear = kimasu, hakimasu, kaburimasu and more
Oct 10, 2025Today’s topic is daily verbs.
Expanding your vocabulary is one of the most important parts of learning a language!
Let’s look at some common verbs that appear in your morning routine, when you get dressed, and when you go out.
Please enjoy listening!
Duration: 00:15:00#68 Good points of learning Japanese ～Nihon-go wa muzukashikunai desu!
Oct 03, 2025Today, I’d like to share some of the good points of learning Japanese.
Actually, Japanese has many features that make it easier than you might think. Let me introduce a few!
#67 Dictionary Form : I'm bad at drawing.～E o kaku no ga heta desu.
Sep 26, 2025Following the te-form, which we featured last week, today we’ll focus on the dictionary form.
I will introduce four common uses of the dictionary form at the beginner level:
To say likes, dislikes, and skills.
To say “before doing something.”
To talk about plans, dreams, or goals.
To use the casual plain form in conversation.
Please enjoy listening!
Duration: 00:14:06#66 Te-form : Please listen! ～Kiite kudasai!
Sep 19, 2025Japanese verb conjugation might feel a little difficult at first, because there are many forms, like the masu-form, the te-form, the dictionary form, and the nai-form.
Today, I will introduce five uses of te-form that are usually learned at the beginner level.
Please enjoy listening!
Duration: 00:15:05#65 Japanese Manners You Should Know
Sep 12, 2025Today, I want to talk about some Japanese customs that aren’t really about language, but about daily life. They’re not written anywhere, but most people follow them naturally.
If you know these, your stay in Japan will be much smoother, and you’ll also get a better sense of how Japanese people think.
You won’t hear a lot of Japanese today—so just sit back and enjoy learning about Japanese customs and rules!
Duration: 00:10:40#64 Counters ～Hitotsu, Futatsu/ Ippon, ni-hon...
Sep 05, 2025Today, we’re going to talk about Japanese counters.
In Japanese, when you count things, you often need a special word.It seems that many Japanese learners feel overwhelmed by having to memorize so many different counters. Honestly, even as a native speaker, I sometimes feel the same way.
But through today’s episode, I hope you’ll feel a little more confident using Japanese counters! Please enjoy listening!
#63 Wedding in Japan ～Nihon no Kekkonshiki
Aug 29, 2025Today, we’ll introduce some useful Japanese words and expressions related to weddings in Japan. I’ll also talk about a few important customs to remember.
With these tips, you can feel more confident when attending a wedding in Japan!
Duration: 00:12:30#62 Na-adjective : Kirei na kooen ga arimasu.
Aug 22, 2025Last time, we talked about i-adjectives. If you haven’t listened yet, please give it a try!
Today, let’s move on to the other type of adjectives in Japanese: na-adjectives.
After listening to this episode and the previous one, I'am sure you're starting to feel more confident using them.
Please enjoy listening!
Duration: 00:14:45#61 I-adjective : Raamen wa oishikatta desu!
Aug 15, 2025Today, we’re going to talk about “i-adjectives” .
I’ve seen many Japanese learners struggle to get comfortable using adjectives, as their conjugations can be quite complicated.
There are two main types of adjectives in Japanese: i-adjectives and na-adjectives.
Today, we’ll focus only on i-adjectives.
Please enjoy listening!
Duration: 00:14:51#60 How to Greet People in Japanese – Formal and Casual
Aug 08, 2025Today, I’d like to talk about Japanese greetings—like ohayou gozaimasu (good morning), konnichiwa (hello), and konbanwa (good evening).
These might seem simple at first, but the expressions you use can change depending on the time of day or the situation.
Once you get used to choosing the right greeting for each moment, your Japanese will sound much more natural!
#59 How to use "Doozo" and "Doomo"
Aug 01, 2025Today, I’d like to focus on another pair of phrases that many Japanese learners find confusing: doozo and doomo.
You must be familiar with the phrases like "Doozo yoroshiku onegai shimasu." or "Doomo Arigatoo gozaimasu."
Let's learn when we can use Doomo and Doozo in other situations!
Duration: 00:11:44#58 How to Use "Onegai Shimasu, Kudasai, Sumimasen" ?
Jul 25, 2025Do you know the difference between "Onegai shimasu" and "Kudasai," which can both be translated as "please" in English?And do you know when and how to use "Sumimasen"?
Today, I’ll be answering these questions — ones that many Japanese learners might be wondering about.
I hope you enjoy the episode!
#57 Useful Japanese for Hands-On Activities!
Jul 18, 2025Today, we will introduce some useful Japanese expressions and sample conversations you can use during hands-on activities in Japan.
Let's make your experience in Japan even more memorable with Japanese!
Please enjoy!
Duration: 00:12:48#56 Particle "kara" "made" and "mo"
Jul 11, 2025Our particle series continues!Today, we’ll look at three more essential particles: kara, made and mo.
Mastering them will help you talk about time, places, and even emphasize things more naturally.
Please enjoy!
Duration: 00:15:04#55 Particle "no" "to" and "ya"
Jul 04, 2025Did you listen to the past four episodes featuring the particles ni, de, o, wa, ga, yo, ne and Ka? Our particle series continues!
In today’s episode, we’ll focus on three very common Japanese particles: no, to, and ya.
Please enjoy listening!
#54 Particle "ka" "yo" and "ne"
Jun 27, 2025In today’s episode, we’ll focus on three very common Japanese particles: ka, ne, and yo.
These are called sentence-ending particles. They’re small words that come at the end of a sentence and add extra meaning or feeling.
Please enjoy listening!
#53 Particle "wa" and "o"
Jun 20, 2025Today marks one year since we started this podcast! Thank you so much for listening and supporting us throughout this journey. ありがとうございます。
Today, we’re going to take a look at one of the most confusing pairs for learners: the particles 「は」 (wa) and 「が」 (ga).
Please enjoy listening!
Duration: 00:13:54#52 Particle "de" and "o"
Jun 13, 2025Today, I’m going to explain two very common particles: "de" and "o".
The particle "de" adds information to the sentence, like “where,” “what,” or “how” something is done.
The particle "o" is known as the direct object marker.
Enjoy listening!
Duration: 00:12:56#51 Particle "ni"
Jun 06, 2025te, ni, o, wa.... Are you confident how to use the particles in Japanese? I guess many Japanese language learners hate particles...
Today, I would like to focus on the particle "ni" and explain the basic idea of this particle, including when and how we use it in a sentence. Please enjoy!
Duration: 00:13:28#50 Casual Conversation at School Vol.2 At University
May 30, 2025This time, we are talking about university life in Japan!
We’ll go over some unique words and expressions you might hear on campus, and share some useful example conversations too.
Please enjoy!
#49 Casual Conversation at School Vol.1
May 23, 2025This week, we’re switching gears a bit and focusing on casual conversations with Japanese friends—especially for junior high school,and high school .
You will also learn some unique terms used in Japanese school!
Please enjoy!
Duration: 00:11:58#48 Useful Expressions for Homestays Vol.2
May 16, 2025This week, we will continue to introduce expressions and tips to make your homestay in Japan more comfortable and to facilitate communication.
You will learn phrases you can use when eating with your host family and when you are not feeling well!
Duration: 00:11:40#47 Useful Expressions for Homestays Vol.1
May 09, 2025Today and next week, I’ll be sharing useful phrases you can use when staying with or visiting a Japanese family in Japan.
You'll also pick up some helpful tips and good manners to make the most of your homestay in Japan.
Please enjoy!
Duration: 00:14:57#46 At a Hotel vol.2 ～Hoteru de. vol.2
May 02, 2025Today, continuing from the previous lesson, we will introduce some expressions you can use in hotels!
You will learn how to order room service, how to call the front desk if you have any requests about your room, etc.
Please enjoy!
Duration: 00:14:33#45 At a Hotel vol.1 ～Hoteru de. vol.1
Apr 25, 2025Today and next week, we are going to learn some super useful Japanese phrases for when you're staying at a hotel in Japan. Knowing just a few of these can really make your trip go more smoothly and be a lot more fun.
In this episode We'll talk about the phrases used at checking in, and checking out. Enjoy!
#44 At Train Station ～Eki de
Apr 18, 2025Today I would like to introduce some phrases used at train stations. Let's learn how to buy a train ticket, how to change trains, and how to get to your destination in case a train is delayed or cancelled due to weather or an accident!
#43 At Pharmacy:I have a headache. ～Atama ga itai desu.
Apr 11, 2025Today, I would like to introduce some phrases used in Japanese pharmacies and clinics.
Also you will learn how to call body parts and medical-related terms in Japanese. Please enjoy!
Duration: 00:11:26#42 At the Airport ～Kuukoo de
Apr 04, 2025Today, Ⅰ will introduce some phrases you can use at the airport. You may need to speak a little Japanese at immigration, or you may have to ask how to get to your hotel!
Please enjoy!
Duration: 00:13:01#41 Let's take a taxi! ～Takushii ni norimashoo!
Mar 28, 2025Today, I would like to introduce phrases for using taxis in Japan.
Let's learn how to ask a driver about traffic information or ask for information about hidden popular restaurants or hole-in-the-wall spots!
Please enjoy!
Duration: 00:11:41#40 What did you do over the weekend? ～Shuumatsu ni nani o shimashita ka?
Mar 21, 2025Today I would like to share conversations about weekends. How can we make this a fun conversation about both special and not-so-special weekends?
I will introduce both formal and casual expressions.
Also let's learn how to express something you want to do in the future!
Duration: 00:15:10#39 Why don't you go to Hanami? ～Hanami ni ikimasen ka?
Mar 14, 2025Hanami season is just around the corner in Japan!
Today I would like to introduce some phrases you can use when you invite your friends to go cherry blossom viewing(Hanami) with you! You will learn both formal and casual phrases.
Please enjoy!
Duration: 00:12:51#38 Let's go to Izakaya! ～Izakaya ni ikimashoo!
Mar 08, 2025Today we will introduce some phrases that can be used in Izakaya.
Izakaya is a traditional Japanese bar where you can enjoy drinks along with affordable snacks and food. Even those who do not drink alcohol can enjoy izakaya because of the wide variety of food and soft drinks available!
Please enjoy!
Duration: 00:11:41#37 Let's have small talk in Japanese!
Mar 01, 2025Today I would like to talk about how to start small talk with local Japanese people during your stay in Japan. It is also a good way to practice your Japanese!
Weather would be one of the most common small talk topic. In Episode 11, we introduce some expressions about the weather, so if you haven't listened to it yet, please do so!
Duration: 00:11:36#36 I lost my wallet. ～Saifu o nakushimashita.
Feb 22, 2025Today, I would like to introduce some phrases and expressions that are useful when you lose something important in Japan.
Of course, I hope you will not get into this kind of trouble, but please listen to them in case you do!
Duration: 00:14:43#35 Let's talk about clothing! ～Fuku ni tsuite hanashimashoo!
Feb 15, 2025Today I would like to talk about how to dress.
Through today's episode, you will learn how to say “I will wear a T-shirt or a skirt.” And you will be able to talk about your favorite fashion style in Japanese.
Also you will learn how to say various colors in Japanese!
Duration: 00:15:27#34 Valentine's Day !～Barentain dee!
Feb 08, 2025Today I would like to talk about Valentine's Day.
Valentine's Day in Japan is a little different from many countries. Please listen to this episode and find out how the Japanese celebrate Valentine's Day!
Duration: 00:12:24#33 Really? ～Hontoo desu ka ?/Maji ?
Feb 01, 2025Today, I would like to introduce some reaction expressions to become an active listener in Japanese.
"Really?" " That's great" You must use these phrases a lot in your daily life. Through this episode you will learn these phrases in Japanese! Please enjoy!
#32 Delicious Food in Winter ～Fuyu no Oishii mono!
Jan 25, 2025Today I would like to talk about what Japanese people eat during the cold season.
After listening to this episode, I am sure you will want to try Japanese nabe dishes!
#31 Coming of Age Day ～Seijin no Hi
Jan 18, 2025Today I would like to talk about the age at which one legally becomes an adult.
In Japan, there is a holiday called Seijin-no-Hi meaning Coming of Age Day on the second Monday of January.
Please enjoy learning what is different regarding coming-of-age between your country and Japan!
Duration: 00:14:50#30 New Year's Resolutions ～Shin-nen no Houfu
Jan 11, 2025This is the first episode of the year 2025!
Today, I will talk about the Japanese year and the Chinese zodiac, as well as my New Year's resolutions.
Please enjoy!
Duration: 00:15:03#29 New Year Days in Japan ～Nihon no Oshoogatsu
Dec 28, 2024Today, I would like to talk about the traditional Japanese New Year. I think New Year Days (Oshoogatsu) is very special and the most important event for Japanese people.
Families and relatives gather together to celebrate the New Year. And there are many traditional customs during the Japanese New Year. Please enjoy!
Duration: 00:15:53#28 What do you do on New Year's Eve? ～Oomisoka ni nani o shimasu ka?
Dec 21, 2024Today, I would like to talk about how to spend the year-end season in Japan.
Through this episode you will learn some traditional year-end customs. Please enjoy!
#27 Christmas in Japan ～Nihon no Kurisumasu
Dec 14, 2024Today, I would like to talk about Christmas in Japan.
Through this episode, you will learn how Japanese people celebrate Christmas. Please enjoy!
Duration: 00:14:34#26 I want to go to Hokkaidoo! ～Hokkaidoo ni ikitai desu!
Dec 07, 2024Today I would like to talk about Hokkaido.
Hokkaido is a prefecture located in the north of Japan. There are many delicious foods and wonderful sightseeing spots in Hokkaido.
After listening to this episode, I am sure you really want to visit Hokkaidoo! Please enjoy!
Duration: 00:14:12#25 Let's go shopping! ～Kaimono ni ikimashoo!
Nov 30, 2024Today we will talk about shopping. We will then invite a guest to demonstrate a shopping role play.
Through this episode, you will learn basic expressions you can use in the store and understand common phrases salespeople say to customers. Please enjoy!
Duration: 00:15:31
#24 What do you do for a living? ～Oshigoto wa nan desu ka?
Nov 23, 2024Today we will talk about work!
Throughout this episode, you will learn the names of occupations and how to start a conversation about work.
Please enjoy!
Duration: 00:15:51#23 I live in an apartment. ～Manshon ni sunde imasu.
Nov 16, 2024Today I would like to talk about houses in Japan. In this episode, you will learn about common Japanese houses and the vocabulary used to describe them.
Please enjoy!
Duration: 00:15:07#22 Today is November 8th. ～Kyoo wa 11 gatsu yooka desu.
Nov 09, 2024Today we will talk about Japanese holidays.
In this episode, you will learn how to say months, dates and the day of the week in Japanese! Please enjoy!
Duration: 00:14:36
#21 Do you understand Japanese? ～Nihongo wakarimasu ka?
Nov 01, 2024Today, I would like to introduce phrases that are often asked by local Japanese when tourists visit Japan such as where you are from, whether you understand Japanese.
You also learn how to answer these questions!
This episode like episode 19, is another introduction to survival and practical Japanese. Please listen as many times as you like!
Duration: 00:14:34#20 Which do you prefer, Tokyo or Osaka? ～Tokyo to Osaka, dochira ga suki desuka?
Oct 25, 2024Today I'm going to talk about Japan's two big cities, Tokyo and Osaka.
In this episode, you will learn expressions comparing two things and the differences between Tokyo and Osaka. Please enjoy!
Duration: 00:15:31#19 Where is the bathroom? ～Toire wa doko desu ka?
Oct 18, 2024Today, I will introduce SURVIVAL JAPANESE EXPRESSIONS!
First you will hear an English phrase, then a slower Japanese phrase, and again a normal speed Japanese phrase.
Please listen to this episode repeatedly and practice speaking aloud after each phrase!
Duration: 00:14:11#18 Two cheeseburgers please. ～Chiizubaagaa o futatsu onegai shimasu.!
Oct 11, 2024Today I will introduce phrases for ordering food and drinks in a role play! Plus, today's episode will also serve as a review of complex Japanese counters.
Please enjoy!
#17 It was a lot of fun! ～Totemo tanoshikatta desu!
Oct 04, 2024Today I am going to talk about my recent trip.
Through this episode, you will learn lots of adjectives and phrases to describe memorable experiences.
Please enjoy!
Duration: 00:15:06#16 I recommend "SHOGUN"! ～"SHOGUN" osusume desu!
Sep 27, 2024Today I will talk about “SHOGUN” the Emmy winning TV series and my other favorite TV dramas.
Through this episode, you will learn how to introduce your favorite things and how to ask other person's recommendations.
Duration: 00:14:14#15 Let's make Okonomiyaki! ～Okonomiyaki o tsukurimashoo!
Sep 20, 2024Do you know Okonomiyaki ? It is Japanese savory pancake and one of my favorite Japanese food.
Today is a cooking class! Let's make Okonomiyaki!
Duration: 00:14:30#14 I am traveling to Kyoto. ～Kyoto ni ryokoo ni ikimasu.
Sep 13, 2024Today, I am going to talk about travel and the joys of the fall season in Japan
Through this episode, you will learn how to talk about your travel experiences and where you should go in Kyoto. And after listening to the episode, you will surely want to visit Kyoto!
Duration: 00:14:21#13 I go to work by train. ～Densha de shigoto ni ikimasu.
Sep 06, 2024Today I will talk about transportation. Through this episode, you will learn some basic words and phrases related to transportation, such as getting on a train, taking the subway to your destination. Please enjoy!
Duration: 00:14:59#12 Happy Birthday! ～Tanjoobi omedetoo!
Aug 30, 2024Today, I am going to talk about Birthday. Birthdays are a fun topic that everyone can talk about.
In today's episode, you will learn phrases related to birthdays, such as giving and receiving gifts, also you will learn how to sing a birthday song in Japanese!
Duration: 00:13:39#11 It's a beautiful day today! ～Kyoo wa ii tenki desu ne!
Aug 23, 2024Today we will talk about weather and natural disasters. Through this episode, you will learn some important words about natural disasters and how to have a conversation about weather in Japanese. Please enjoy!
Duration: 00:14:09#10 How was your summer break? ～Natsu-yasumi wa doo deshita ka?
Aug 16, 2024Today we have a special guest and I will ask her how her summer break was.
We repeat the the main dialogue twice and speak casually for the second time. Casual speaking form in Japanese is used among family and friends.
Please enjoy today's episode!
Duration: 00:13:53#9 There is a hot spring in Atami. ～Atami ni Onsen ga arimasu.
Aug 09, 2024Today I will introduce a town called Atami. Through today's episode, you will learn expressions to introduce famous and favorite places in your town.
#8 My dog Mei is gentle. ～Mei wa yasashii desu.
Aug 02, 2024Today I will talk about our precious four-legged family member, Mei. Through today's episode, you will learn expressions to introduce your family, friends, and of course your beloved pets.
Duration: 00:16:00#7 Do you like sports? ～Supootsu suki desu ka?
Jul 26, 2024Today we will talk about sports!
Do you play sports?
Listen to this episode and you'll be able to talk about your favorite sports in Japanese!
Duration: 00:15:41#6 Let's go to KONBINI! ～KONBINI ni ikimashoo!
Jul 19, 2024Today I am going to talk about my favorite KONBINI. KONBINI means a convenience store in English. Also, I will introduce some useful expressions you can use at convenience stores, so please listen to the end.
Duration: 00:14:33#5 What will you do during summer break? ～Natsu-yasumi nani o shimasu ka?
Jul 12, 2024Today, I am going to talk about what many Japanese people do in summer. Let's learn how to share your fun summer plans in Japanese!
Duration: 00:14:25#4 How many people are in your family? ～Kazoku wa nan-nin desu ka?
Jul 05, 2024Today I will talk about my family. Let's learn how to introduce your family in Japanese!
Duration: 00:14:32#3 What time do you wake up? ～Nan-ji ni okimasu ka?
Jun 28, 2024Welcome to "JAPANESE FROM SCRATCH WITH YUKO" Episode 3.
Today I'm going to talk about my daily life. This episode will help you learn basic verbs and talk more and more about yourself!
Duration: 00:16:32#2 What would you like to do in Tokyo? ～Tokyo de Nani o shimasu ka?
Jun 21, 2024Welcome to "JAPANESE from SCRATCH with YUKO" Episode 2.
I will talk about two plans for a great day out in Tokyo!
Duration: 00:15:31
#1 What are your hobbies? Shumi wa nan desu ka?
Jun 14, 2024Welcome to "JAPANESE from SCRATCH with YUKO" Episode 1.
I will talk about the outline of this podcast, discuss hobbies and what activities we like to do with our special guest!
Duration: 00:14:41