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PODCAST

NIHONGO CANDY – Japanese Learning Podcast (JLPT N5–N3)

Miki-sensei | Japanese Learning with WELC

Japanese learning made simple, one short lesson at a time. NIHONGO CANDY is a Japanese learning podcast for English speakers at JLPT N5–N3 level, hosted by Miki-sensei, a nationally certified Japanese teacher with over 20 years of experience. Learn Japanese for real life: everyday vocabulary, grammar, and natural phrases for travel, work, and living in Japan, explained in simple English. You can also learn through stories and history, from life in Tokyo to samurai, castles, and ninja. 💻 Private

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All Episodes

00:08:57

Stop Making This Mistake! How to Say "Not Yet" in...

NIHONGO CANDY – Japanese Learning Podcast (JLPT N5–N3) ·

2026/04/20

Do you say "Mada kaimasen deshita" to mean "I haven't bought it yet"? This is one of the most common mistakes Japanese learners make!In English, "not yet" is often associated with the past, leading many to use the Japanese simple past tense ("masen deshita"). However, in Japanese, if an action hasn't happened yet but is expected to happen, it is considered an ongoing state. Therefore, you must use the present continuous form: "Mada... te

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00:08:12

Sound Natural in Japanese: 10 Essential Phrases using...

NIHONGO CANDY – Japanese Learning Podcast (JLPT N5–N3) ·

2026/04/13

In Japanese conversations, being too direct can sometimes sound harsh. That’s where "~mitai desu" (みたいです) comes in. Meaning "It seems..." or "It looks like...", this grammar point is an incredibly useful tool to convey situations or observations naturally without sounding overly assertive.In this episode, we will focus on using "~mitai desu" with both present and past plain forms. I’ll train your reflexes with 10 highly practical sentences so you can handle

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00:07:33

Small Talk in Japan: 10 Essential Phrases for...

NIHONGO CANDY – Japanese Learning Podcast (JLPT N5–N3) ·

2026/04/06

Do you know how to naturally talk about your hometown and family in Japanese? Mastering small talk is the perfect way to break the ice!When talking about family in Japanese, the key is to understand the tricky difference between talking about your own family (ウチ - uchi) and asking about someone else's (ソト - soto). For example, "my father" is ちち (chichi), but "someone's father" is おとうさん (otosan). Likewise, "my family" is かぞく (kazoku), while "someone's family" is ごかぞく (gokazoku).I’ll train your

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00:07:19

Running Late in Japan: 10 Essential Phrases for...

NIHONGO CANDY – Japanese Learning Podcast (JLPT N5–N3) ·

2026/03/30

Do you know exactly what to say when you are running late in Japan?Punctuality is strictly observed in Japanese business culture, but unexpected delays happen to everyone! When you realize you won't make it on time, the key is to immediately communicate your current status, your ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival), and apologize appropriately.In this episode, we will practice:Reporting status: いま、まだ　しんじゅくえきです (I'm still at Shinjuku station.)Giving ETA: ５ふんほど　おくれます (I'll be about 5 minutes

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00:09:30

Mastering Uncertainty: "かどうかわかりません" vs. "かわかりません" |...

NIHONGO CANDY – Japanese Learning Podcast (JLPT N5–N3) ·

2026/03/23

Do you overuse "〜どうか" (douka) when saying "I don't know" in embedded Japanese sentences?The rule for expressing uncertainty is actually simple:Yes/No questions: Use "〜かどうか" (e.g., かれが　それを　すきかどうか　わかりません)Wh-questions (who, what, when, etc.): Just attach "か" (e.g., いつ　くにに　かえるか　わかりません). Using "どうか" here is a common mistake!In this episode, I’ll train your reflexes with 10 practical sentences so you can instantly distinguish these two patterns and

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00:08:25

Speak Fast & Natural Japanese: Mastering "Toku" and...

NIHONGO CANDY – Japanese Learning Podcast (JLPT N5–N3) ·

2026/03/16

Want to sound more natural and less like a textbook? Native speakers constantly shorten words in fast, casual speech. In this episode, we unlock the secret to two of the most common contractions you’ll hear in Japan: "〜とく (toku)" and "〜といて (toite)".These handy phrases come from "〜ておく (te oku)", which means to do something in advance for future convenience or to leave something as it is. In daily workplace chats or conversations with friends, a formal phrase like

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00:08:14

How to Ask for Help Politely in Japanese: Instant...

NIHONGO CANDY – Japanese Learning Podcast (JLPT N5–N3) ·

2026/03/09

Don't struggle alone! Navigating life in Japan gets so much easier when you know exactly how to ask for support. In this episode, we master two essential communication tools: the polite and soft request "〜てもらえますか (temoraemasuka)" , and the magic of "〜んですが (ndesu ga)".In Japanese culture, simply explaining your situation (e.g., "I've lost something" or "This isn't working") often implies a request for help, allowing you to get support smoothly

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00:10:09

How to Express Your Opinion in Japanese: Instant...

NIHONGO CANDY – Japanese Learning Podcast (JLPT N5–N3) ·

2026/03/02

Stop just "thinking" and start speaking! In this episode, we master the most versatile Japanese phrase: "〜と思います (to omoimasu)." Whether you’re expressing a firm belief (I believe), a professional evaluation (I find), or a simple prediction (I guess), this one phrase does it all. We’ll train your "reflexes" with 10 essential sentences designed for business and daily life, helping you sound more natural and nuanced in any conversation.💡 Note: This reflex training series

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00:07:35

Japanese Conversation: Essential Dating App Phrases &...

NIHONGO CANDY – Japanese Learning Podcast (JLPT N5–N3) ·

2026/02/23

Master the essential Japanese "reflexes" you need to navigate a first date from a dating app with total confidence. This high-intensity training helps you output key phrases from greetings to toasts.💡 Note: This reflex training series will be compiled into a "Master Phrase List (PDF)" after 10 episodes. Stay tuned for the release!—🚀 NEXT STEPS FOR YOUR JAPANESE1. Systematic Learning (Self-Study)Build a strong N3 foundation with my structured video course.🎁 1-Month Special

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00:09:02

Naoshima Art Exploration: Essential Japanese for...

NIHONGO CANDY – Japanese Learning Podcast (JLPT N5–N3) ·

2026/02/16

Navigate the "Holy Garden of Contemporary Art" with confidence. Learn the essential Japanese needed to transition smoothly from Tokyo to the serene shores of Naoshima, ensuring your artistic retreat is as seamless as it is inspiring. 🎯 What you'll learn in this episode:✅ Seamless Transit: Essential phrases for buying ferry tickets at Uno Port and navigating departure boards. ✅ Museum Etiquette: How to handle online reservations and confirm photography rules at Chichu Art Museum. ✅

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00:09:09

(N5-N3) Spiritual Stay in Koyasan: Essential Phrases...

NIHONGO CANDY – Japanese Learning Podcast (JLPT N5–N3) ·

2026/02/09

Master the etiquette of a Koyasan Shukubo (temple lodging). Learn essential Japanese for rituals, Shojin Ryori, and morning services to navigate your spiritual retreat with grace.🎯 What you'll learn in this episode:✅ Seamless Check-in: Essential phrases for arriving at a temple and confirming your schedule.✅ Shojin Ryori Etiquette: How to appreciate Buddhist vegetarian cuisine like a local.✅ Morning Rituals: Navigating the "Morning Service" (Otsutome) and the art of O-shoko (incense

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00:08:10

(N5-N3) Coastal Escape: Essential Japanese for...

NIHONGO CANDY – Japanese Learning Podcast (JLPT N5–N3) ·

2026/02/02

Master everything from e-bike rentals to emergency repairs for a seamless, professional travel experience.🎯 What you'll learn in this episode:✅ Seamless Rentals: How to request electric-assist bicycles and confirm drop-offs.✅ Navigation: Understanding the "Blue Line" and asking for directions.✅ Support: Phrases for handling unexpected flat tires or mechanical issues.✅ Etiquette: Professional ways to interact with terminal staff and locals.📝 Cheat Sheet & Phrases:👇 Get the notes:

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00:10:11

(N4-N3) THE ULTIMATE ONSEN GUIDE: Ryokan Etiquette &...

NIHONGO CANDY – Japanese Learning Podcast (JLPT N5–N3) ·

2026/01/26

Master the unspoken rules of the Japanese Ryokan (Hot Spring Inn) to travel with confidence and sophistication.🎯 What you'll learn:✅ Smooth Check-in: Phrases for arrival & meal confirmation.✅ Onsen Etiquette: Critical rules for baths & towels.✅ Dining Smart: Handling allergies & ordering local sake (Jizake).✅ Comfort: Getting the right Yukata size.📝 Cheat Sheet & Phrases:Review the key phrases from this episode on my Ko-fi blog.👇 Get the notes:https://ko-fi.com/nihongocandy—🚀

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00:09:43

#135 How to Take the Shinkansen: Buying Tickets,...

NIHONGO CANDY – Japanese Learning Podcast (JLPT N5–N3) ·

2026/01/19

🎯 What you'll learn in this episode (N5-N3 Level):✅ Ticket Purchasing: How to book online using "SmartEX" or purchase tickets at the "Midori no Madoguchi" (Ticket Office), including how to use e-tickets with your IC card.✅ Seat Selection: Vocabulary to choose between "Shiteiseki" (Reserved seat) and "Green-sha" (Green Car), and specifying preferences like "Madogawa" (Window seat).✅ Station Navigation: Understanding the difference between regular

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00:09:41

Navigating Healthcare in Japan: Essential Japanese...

NIHONGO CANDY – Japanese Learning Podcast (JLPT N5–N3) ·

2026/01/12

🎯 What you'll learn in this episode (N5-N3 Level):✅ Reception Essentials: How to check in as a first-time patient ("Shoshin") and handle insurance verification using your "My Number Card" (Myna Hokensho) or residence card.✅ Explaining Symptoms: Vocabulary to clearly describe your condition to the doctor, such as "Netsu ga arimasu" (I have a fever) and specifying duration like "Kinou kara" (Since yesterday).✅ Medical Forms: Key terms for filling out the

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00:08:57

Renting in Japan: Essential Japanese for Apartments &...

NIHONGO CANDY – Japanese Learning Podcast (JLPT N5–N3) ·

2026/01/05

🎯 What you'll learn in this episode (N5-N3 Level):✅ At the Real Estate Agency: How to describe your desired layout ("1LDK") and distance from the station ("Eki kara 10-pun").✅ Viewing Checks: Key questions to ask during a viewing, such as sunlight availability ("Hiatari") and pet policies.✅ Contracts & Documents: Vocabulary for essential paperwork, including "Zairyu card" (Residence Card) and using a "Hosho-gaisha" (Guarantor Company).✅

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00:11:00

Skiing in Japan: Essential Japanese for Rentals &...

NIHONGO CANDY – Japanese Learning Podcast (JLPT N5–N3) ·

2025/12/29

🎯 What you'll learn in this episode (N5-N3 Level):✅ Rentals & Sizes: How to communicate your height and shoe size in centimeters ("27-senchi desu") to get the perfect gear.✅ At the Ticket Counter: Phrases for purchasing lift passes ("Ichinichi-ken") and understanding the IC card deposit system.✅ Navigating Lifts: Understanding course signs (Beginner/Advanced) and safety instructions ("Bar o oroshite kudasai").✅ Resort Dining: Cultural etiquette for saving a

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00:09:02

(N5-N3) How to Chat with Shop Staff: Becoming a...

NIHONGO CANDY – Japanese Learning Podcast (JLPT N5–N3) ·

2025/12/22

🎯 What you'll learn in this episode (N5-N3 Level):✅Becoming a Regular: Expressions for entering a shop as a regular customer ("Itsumo arigato gozaimasu," weather talk).✅Ordering Like a Pro: How to order "The usual" ("Itsumo no") or ask for recommendations ("Osusume wa nan desu ka?").✅Small Talk: Friendly conversation starters with staff ("Saikin do desu ka?", complimenting food).✅Culture: Understanding "Ichigen-san okotowari" (Referral-only establishments).🚀 Ready to speak with

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00:09:29

(N5-N3) My Life in Tokyo: Odaiba Date & Our Future...

NIHONGO CANDY – Japanese Learning Podcast (JLPT N5–N3) ·

2025/12/15

🎯 What you'll learn in this episode (N5-N3 Level):Review: Talking about past memories (garbage rules, first nomikai, meeting at a cafe).Future Tense: How to express future plans and possibilities ("kamoshirenai").Romance: How to say "I want to be with you" (Issho ni itai).Culture: Dating at Odaiba (a popular seaside spot in Tokyo). BOOST Your Learning: Read the Full Scripts!https://www.welcjp.com/category/podcast-nihongo-candy🚀 Ready to speak with confidence?Listening is

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00:08:49

(N5-N3) How to Confess Your Love ("Kokuhaku") & Visit...

NIHONGO CANDY – Japanese Learning Podcast (JLPT N5–N3) ·

2025/12/08

🎯 What you'll learn in this episode (N5-N3 Level):How to say "Happy New Year" (Akemashite omedeto).The correct etiquette for praying at a shrine (Hatsumode).Japanese dating culture: How to do a "Kokuhaku" (love confession).Useful phrases for expressing your feelings to someone special.BOOST Your Learning: Read the Full Scripts!https://www.welcjp.com/category/podcast-nihongo-candy🚀 Ready to speak with confidence?Listening is great, but speaking with feedback is faster.I

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