Are you interested in learning Japanese, but finding traditional learning methods a bit boring?
Why not take a break and watch some entertaining Japanese movies and shows on Netflix?
While enjoying content shouldn’t be countered as your actual learning time, it can be an interesting method to enhance your language skills, introduce you to the amazing culture, and keep you highly motivated in learning Japanese!
In this blog, we’re going to share some best movies & shows on Netflix for language learning and share important tips on how to efficiently use media as a tool for language learning.
Whether you are a newbie or an advanced language learner, there is something on this list for everybody. So, grab some snacks, settle in, and let’s explore the entertaining Japanese cinema and enhance Japanese skills.
Ainori
Among the most famous sitcoms in Japan, Ainori 1st premiered in 1999. It was later rebooted on Netflix in 2017, which is why currently the platform only has 3 seasons of utmost content.
Tournaments are set up where 7 contestants attempt to find the love of their life. If they succeed, the couple declares their undying love for each other and travels to Japan together.
All the while, a pink van is used for worldwide tourism, which helps showcase the best parts of the country. It’s a combination of a dating show and a travel show. In other words, a ‘Travelogue’. Ainori has very casual dialogue, so it’s really useful for someone trying to pick up conversational Japanese using Netflix.
Doraemon
All the young adults surely enjoyed this show during their childhood, due to Doraemon’s popularity. The character is by far the most loved in Japanese animated cartoons, Japanese language, and culture alike.
With an engaging storyline revolving around friendship, childhood innocence, time sanity, and branded gadgets assures that you will never get bored.
Especially for young learners, this show serves as a perfect introduction. The episodes are short and the overall mood is welcoming since the show is targeted toward kids.
These conversations and the entire language used are simple and boring, thus it is the best TV show to learn Japanese.
Alice in Borderland
Without any doubt, all the squid game fans will be super eager to watch it. It seems that the theme is identical because now they have placed three teenagers into a parallel universe where they have to compete in games to stay breathing.
The plot is electrifying and keeps us on the edge. However, even when the themes tend to be rather grim, the relationships and friendships the players foster to make certain they don’t meet their end and how they cope with friendships and treachery make the show very interesting and enjoyable to watch.
The language might be a bit in the offing for those not accustomed. But for those in between or advanced, this edition is quite good for sharpening the Japanese. There’s also an advantage if you’re going to do some work where Japanese is necessary.
Departures
Departures’ is the literal Japanese translation of “The one who sends off”. This Japanese drama film is about a young lonely cellist who returns to his village after his ambition to be a successful cellist fails, only to serendipitously discover passion and meaning to his life working as an encoffiner.
In 2009, the film won an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It is invaluable for sharpening your Japanese and at the same time, learning about Japanese funeral culture.
Switched
Ayumi is over the moon when the boy she crushes on finally asks her out. Sadly, by the end of the episode, she has to face the dreadful truth of Zenko – her envious class fellow – body swapping with her.
Now, Ayumi has no option but to plead Zenko to change her back before it’s too late.
The show covers such sensitive yet important topics as jealousy which leads a person to madness and even bullying.
Battle Royale
Battle Royale is a classic Japanese film and has garnered a cult following. It takes place in the near future and is a thriller about a group of teens that get captured and placed on a deserted island with a single rule: only one can escape alive. As the plot develops, the situations grow more intricate, yet chaotic, and the violent elements are balanced out by the characters’ psychological levels.
Principally, the success of Battle Royale made box offices around the globe generate enough money to give birth to ‘battle royale’ as a sub genre, which includes popular names such as Ready or Not, The Hunger Games, and even Squid Game. They are a must-see if you haven’t yet.
Some Important Tips to Learn Japanese While Enjoying Movies & Shows on Netflix
Watching Netflix movies & shows can be a fun and efficient way to learn Japanese. Follow these tips if you want to improve by watching your favorite shows and movies –
- Start with Subtitles: It helps to appreciate the story in English before moving to Japanese subtitles. This practice allows you to learn written words in conjunction with their spoken forms.
- Pause & Replay: Avoid the temptation to rush through watching the episodes. Rather, pause and look at the scenes carefully concentrating on their pronunciation and significance. This technique is super useful for learning new vocab.
- Take Notes: Keeping a notebook full of phrases and words you’ve deemed useful prepared can be extremely beneficial. Make it a point to practice these in your everyday life.
- Shadowing: Improve your speaking skills in conjunction with your natural pronunciation by repeating the lines of the characters.
- Pick the Right Content: Matching your shows to your level will prove to be beneficial. If you’re a beginner, try slower-paced shows such as Terrace House. Advanced learners may enjoy more intricate dramas like Erased.
- Learn Culture: Be on the lookout for how the people bow, speak, and other gestures that may signal cultural nuances.
By combining fun with active learning, you can greatly enhance your Japanese skills by simply indulging in good content. Building it into your everyday routine will also help smooth the process.