News in Slow Japanese

News in Slow Japanese has been a trusted resource for Japanese learners since 2013, and its longevity speaks to how well the concept works. Hosted by Sakura, a professional announcer from Japan, each episode presents interesting news and cultural stories in deliberately slowed-down, crystal-clear Japanese. Episodes are short -- typically one to four minutes -- which makes them perfect for daily listening without any time commitment pressure. The show provides both slow and normal-speed versions of each story, letting learners first grasp the content at a comfortable pace and then challenge themselves with natural delivery. With 90 ratings and a 4.5-star score, the podcast is particularly popular among intermediate learners studying for the JLPT N3, N2, or N1 exams. The content itself leans toward cultural topics rather than hard news -- think Japanese humor, movies, manga, sports, and seasonal traditions -- which keeps things engaging even when you are working through difficult vocabulary. Transcripts and show notes with vocabulary breakdowns are available on the companion website, turning each short episode into a complete study session if you want it to be. The podcast's bite-sized format makes it an excellent complement to longer-form Japanese listening practice. Rather than replacing your main study podcast, News in Slow Japanese works well as a focused warm-up or cooldown activity that reinforces listening skills with current, relevant content delivered at an accessible pace.