Japanese podcast for beginners (Nihongo con Teppei)

Nihongo con Teppei is one of the most prolific and beloved Japanese learning podcasts ever made, with over 1,500 episodes and counting. Host Teppei speaks entirely in Japanese, but he does so with a warmth and clarity that makes even total beginners feel welcome. His approach is built on repetition and natural speech patterns -- he circles back to key words and phrases multiple times within each short episode, letting listeners pick up meaning through context rather than translation. Episodes cover everyday topics like cooking, weather, hobbies, and daily routines, all spoken at a measured pace that sits right in the sweet spot between natural and accessible. What sets this show apart from structured textbook-style podcasts is its conversational feel. Teppei talks to you like a friend catching up over coffee, not like a teacher running through drills. That casual tone makes it easy to listen for extended stretches without fatigue, which is exactly what language acquisition research says works best. The show updates twice a week and has maintained that schedule consistently for years, building one of the largest back catalogs in the Japanese learning podcast space. Transcripts are available through Patreon for listeners who want to read along. Whether you are working through your first month of Japanese or reinforcing basics after a year of study, this podcast meets you where you are and keeps you engaged.