I recently made the decision to return home this summer and prepare for law school, instead of remaining in Japan to work for a year. It was a tough decision, one that I am still coming to peace about for I had plans for Sista in Tokyo, which among other things included a weekly podcast.
As a commenter suggested last week, why not a Sista in Tokyo podcast? Lord knows I love to talk! (hehehe) Unfortunately, that probably won't happen--that is unless I obtain a position with a company in Japan that pays well and doesn't involve teaching English. No offense to English teachers and aspiring English teachers, but the thought of teaching English in Japan for an entire year, on a daily basis, makes me dizzy with irritation from boredom.
Anyway, the April 28th issue of Metropolis Tokyo:: Japan's No. 1 English Magazine features an article on podcasts titled Pocket Revolutionaries. The article lists a few recommended podcasts based in/on Japan. While I consider myself an avid podcast listener, among the list I only listen to one Japan podcast regularly, Japanesepod101.com. So I've decided to listen to and review a few of the podcasts listed-- starting with my absolute favorite JAPANESEPOD101.COM
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PODCAST REVIEW: JAPANESEPOD101.COM
If you would like to begin learning Japanese, are currenlty learning Japanese, or simply planning to visit Japan for vacation, I highly recommend Japanesepod101.com. I first downloaded this podcast in January in order to incorporate a daily Japanese lesson to pass away the snow-filled winter days here in Sendai. Although it's only been four months, this podcast has become a crucial part of my daily Japanese learning routine.
During university vacation Japanesepod101.com was school for me. There have been several times that I've required a conversation and vocabular refresher for something and Japanesepod101.com has been a life saver!
The best features offered are: Daily Conversations Lessons (Beginner and Intermediate) and accompanying Kanji lessons. The daily conversations are the best because they use a diverse casts of Japanese speakers. The native English speaker Peter and the recent addition Nathan are pretty cool (though Peter can be a little annoying at times, but it's what I consider 'good' annoyance. "Right Sakura?").
They definitely have a unique approach to teaching Japanese and I find that it works for me. I am extremely happy with it. (And it's no secret that I am extremely picky about Japanese classes and I become easily irritated with expensive Japanese courses that teach absolutely NOTHING) The best thing about this is it's ABSOLUTELY FREE for basic lessons! There is also additional content available for those desiring a little more. (Check Out Premium Content Prices Here)
To listen, an iPod is not required. You can simply register and dowload lessons through the Japanesepod101.com website, or you can dowload the podcast from iTunes. I recommend using iTunes for iPod owners in order to easily access Japanese lesson at all times. I find this extremely convenient during extended commuting times on the train, riding your bike, and on the bus. Other than that, I recommend accessing lessons through the site, as I find it more beneficial because everything is in one location. Plus there's a nice and extremely supportive language learning community that has emerged since January.
In conclusion, JAPANESEPOD101.COM is excellent! Dowload it, listen to it a few times, and watch your languages skills begin to improve. It's definitely worth a try and has my highest recommendation-- ABSOLUTELY すごい (SUGOI)!
--SISTAinTOKYO
RATINGS CHART:
ABSOLUTELY SUGOI すごい---> Excellent! This is a must HAVE! It makes you want to holla and throw up both your hands! (Like Marvin Gaye says)
YOKATTA ようかった----> Good and definitely worth a listen!
MAA MAA まあまあ----> It's okay... It's nothing to call or mail home about though. It's JUST okay. It has a few interesting factors going on and it doesn't SUCK.
CHOTTO, SUMIMASEN ちょっと すみません が。。。---> This isn't exactly my cup of green tea... but ummm, Ganbatte (hang in there) to the author AND to the listeners.
I like this, since i am at A Level (college level in japanese) this is a good recap or reminder of how to use them in everyday situations. domo takara!
Posted by: Maashallah | May 12, 2006 at 06:38 AM
Hey hey! I just noticed your comment :). Happy to hear that you appreciate it my little review!
--SistainTokyo
Posted by: SistainTokyo | May 15, 2006 at 11:04 PM
i didn't think it was great. it's all scripted. i like the idea, but it's not nearly as good as the chinesepod (a different company altogether) podcasts. (I'm a fluent Japanese speaker so I can tell what's scripted and not quite easily. Plus, the Japanese is way too slow which renders the intonation unnatural. I only listened three or four times and couldn't stand it any longer.
Posted by: jack | December 07, 2008 at 11:57 PM
No man learns but by pain or shame.The lesson sinks into his mind
Posted by: Shox R4 | January 13, 2011 at 03:56 PM