About Us
Empowering learners with authentic Japanese through real-world vlog content
Our Mission ✨
To empower English-speaking students and professionals with the confidence to understand and use real-world Japanese—before they ever step foot in Japan.
We believe that language learning should feel alive. That's why we move beyond textbook dialogues and drop you straight into the flow of authentic Japanese life through carefully curated YouTube vlogs.
Why Native Vlogs? 🎥
Japanese variety shows and scripted dramas are fun—but they're often packed with acting quirks or dated phrases. Vlogs, on the other hand, capture:
- Everyday intonation & speed
- Natural fillers, slang, and cultural references
- Real settings—from a Kyoto café to a Tokyo startup office
By decoding these videos line-by-line, we give you a front-row seat to genuine communication.
What You'll Get Inside 📚
Interactive Subtitles
Hover to reveal furigana, English definitions, and pitch-accent hints without pausing the video.
Line-by-Line Breakdown
Tap each sentence to view slow audio, literal gloss, grammar notes, and shadow-reading mode.
Vocabulary Drills
Spaced-repetition quizzes auto-generate from every lesson so new words stick.
Pronunciation Challenges
Record yourself, then compare waveforms and pitch lines with the native speaker to fine-tune your prosody.
Weekly "Real-Life Tasks"
Short challenges—DM a Japanese creator on Instagram, order takoyaki in Kansai-ben, or leave a comment using today's slang.
| Feature | How It Helps You |
|---|---|
| Interactive Subtitles | Hover to reveal furigana, English definitions, and pitch-accent hints without pausing the video. |
| Line-by-Line Breakdown | Tap each sentence to view slow audio, literal gloss, grammar notes, and shadow-reading mode. |
| Vocabulary Drills | Spaced-repetition quizzes auto-generate from every lesson so new words stick. |
| Pronunciation Challenges | Record yourself, then compare waveforms and pitch lines with the native speaker to fine-tune your prosody. |
| Weekly "Real-Life Tasks" | Short challenges—DM a Japanese creator on Instagram, order takoyaki in Kansai-ben, or leave a comment using today's slang. |
Our Curation Process 🔍
Scout
We monitor 300+ Japanese YouTube channels and shortlist clips that showcase modern, regionally varied language.
Screen
Each video is vetted for clear audio, cultural relevance, and CEFR-aligned difficulty (A2–B2).
Decode
Bilingual linguists craft line-by-line translations, nuance notes, and usage comparisons.
Enrich
We layer interactive tech—timestamped vocab, pitch guides, and shadow-loop controls.
Review
A native instructor signs off for accuracy and pedagogical value.
Who We Are 👥
Aya Takahashi
Tokyo-born linguist, ex-NHK translator, loves Kansai comedy.
Daniel Reed
Former JET teacher & software engineer; fan of Fukuoka's yatai culture.
Mao Inoue
Phonetics researcher focusing on pitch accent acquisition for adults.
You
A motivated learner ready to turn binge-watching into fluent conversations!
Built for Busy Lives ⏰
Whether you're commuting, on a lunch break, or winding down at night, each lesson can be completed in 15–20 minutes—yet scales with deep-dive extras when you have more time.