Thinking in Japanese Podcast

IISAKU takes a different approach from most Japanese learner podcasts. Instead of focusing on daily life and casual conversation, this show dives into philosophy, self-improvement, and deeper cultural topics — all delivered in deliberately slow, clear Japanese with vocabulary lists provided for every episode. The result is a podcast that exercises your brain on two levels: you are simultaneously working on language comprehension and engaging with genuinely thought-provoking ideas. With 183 episodes averaging seven to ten minutes each, the format is compact enough for daily study but substantial enough to leave you thinking about the content long after you press pause. IISAKU speaks at a measured pace and flags difficult vocabulary, but never makes the content feel dumbed down. The topics demand a wider range of abstract vocabulary than typical learner podcasts cover, which makes this an excellent complement to shows focused on everyday conversation. Transcripts and bonus materials are available through Patreon, and the 4.9-star rating from 60 reviews reflects a dedicated niche audience. The show sits in the intersection of Language Learning and Philosophy categories on Apple Podcasts, which is telling — this is for learners who want their listening practice to also be intellectually stimulating. If you have reached a point where daily-life topics feel repetitive, Thinking in Japanese offers a refreshing alternative that pushes both your language skills and your perspective.