Hey guys! Ever thought about binge-watching Japanese TV to boost your English skills? Yeah, you heard right! It might sound a bit backward, but diving into Japanese shows that sprinkle in English can be a super fun and effective way to learn. Let's explore why and how!

Why Japanese TV for English Learning?

So, why should you consider Japanese TV shows to improve your English, anyway? It might seem counterintuitive, but there are actually some really cool reasons:

• Exposure to Natural English: Many Japanese TV shows, especially those aimed at younger audiences or those incorporating international themes, often feature native English speakers. This means you get to hear English spoken in natural, everyday contexts, rather than just textbook dialogues.
• Cultural Context: You're not just learning the language; you're also picking up on cultural nuances. Understanding how English is used in a Japanese context can give you a unique perspective on the language and its global usage.
• Motivation Boost: Let's face it, studying grammar rules can be a drag. But watching an engaging TV show? That's something you'll actually want to do! When you're enjoying yourself, learning becomes so much easier.
• Listening Comprehension: Japanese shows often provide subtitles, which can be a massive help. You can listen to the English being spoken and then check the subtitles to make sure you've understood correctly. It's like having a built-in language teacher!
• Variety of Accents: Depending on the show, you might hear English spoken with different accents – American, British, Australian, and more. This helps you get used to the variations in pronunciation and intonation.

Diving Deeper into the Benefits

• Real-World Scenarios: Japanese TV often portrays real-life situations, such as interactions in international companies, schools, or tourist spots. These scenarios provide practical vocabulary and phrases that you can use in your own conversations.
• Engaging Content: Japanese TV is known for its creativity and unique storytelling. Whether it's a quirky comedy, a gripping drama, or an informative documentary, you're likely to find something that captures your interest. This engagement is key to staying motivated and consistent in your learning journey.
• Subconscious Learning: By immersing yourself in English-infused content, you'll start to pick up on grammar and vocabulary subconsciously. It's like osmosis – the language seeps into your brain without you even realizing it!
• Enhanced Memory: The combination of visual and auditory cues in TV shows can help you remember new words and phrases more easily. When you associate a word with a specific scene or character, it becomes more memorable.
• Improved Pronunciation: Listening to native English speakers can help you refine your own pronunciation. Pay attention to how they articulate different sounds and try to imitate them. Over time, your pronunciation will become more natural and accurate.

Popular Japanese TV Shows Featuring English

Okay, so you're sold on the idea. Now, where do you start? Here are a few popular Japanese TV shows that incorporate English in a fun and accessible way:

Anime

Anime, or Japanese animation, is a fantastic resource for English learners. Many anime series include English phrases, songs, or even entire scenes spoken in English.

• Cowboy Bebop: This classic anime is known for its stylish animation, engaging storyline, and memorable English dialogue. The characters often use English slang and expressions, making it a great way to learn colloquial English.
• Kids on the Slope: Set in the 1960s, this anime features jazz music, and you'll often hear English lyrics and conversations related to the music. It's a cool way to combine language learning with a love for jazz.
• Aggretsuko: This anime is about a red panda dealing with workplace stress. The show includes English phrases and songs, particularly in the karaoke scenes.
• Erased: A science fiction thriller anime. The main character has the ability to go back in time to prevent life-threatening situations. The show contains a substantial amount of English dialogues, as well as showcasing real English-language songs.
• Yuri on Ice: A sports anime about figure skating and the show is centered around an athlete with the same name as the show. The anime contains short English phrases, but mostly in the ending theme songs.

Drama

Japanese dramas, or dorama, often feature characters who speak English, especially in professional or international settings.

• From Five to Nine: This romantic comedy follows a Japanese English teacher and her interactions with a Buddhist monk. The show incorporates a lot of English language learning and cultural exchange.
• Hanzawa Naoki: A drama about a banker who stands up against corruption. The show includes scenes with English-speaking colleagues and clients, providing exposure to business English.
• 99.9 Criminal Lawyer: A legal drama that features occasional English dialogues in international court settings. The English spoken is often technical and related to legal terminology.
• Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories: A slice-of-life series set in a small diner in Tokyo. The show features a diverse cast of characters, including some who speak English, offering glimpses into different cultural perspectives.
• Alice in Borderland: A science fiction thriller drama about people who are forced to compete in dangerous games in order to survive. The show includes English dialogues spoken by the "gamemasters" or people that are in charge of the game.

Variety Shows

Variety shows are a staple of Japanese TV, and some of them incorporate English in fun and interactive ways.

• Getsuyou Kara Yofukashi (Monday Late Show): This show often features segments where people on the street are asked questions in English, providing a glimpse into how English is used and understood by the general public.
• Sekai no Hatemade Itte Q! (Itte Q!): This show involves comedians and celebrities traveling the world and participating in various challenges. They often interact with English speakers and use English phrases in their adventures.
• Terrace House: A reality TV show where six strangers live together in a house. The show features interactions between the housemates, some of whom are fluent in English, providing natural English conversations.
• The Quiz Show: A game show that includes English-language questions and challenges, providing a fun way to test your knowledge and improve your listening skills.
• AKBingo!: A variety show featuring the members of the idol group AKB48. The show includes English-language segments and challenges, providing a lighthearted way to learn English.

Tips for Effective Learning

Okay, you've picked a show. Now, how do you actually learn from it? Here are some tips to maximize your learning potential:

Active Listening

Don't just passively watch the show. Engage with the content actively. This means paying attention to the words being spoken, the way they're pronounced, and the context in which they're used.

• Focus on Pronunciation: Pay attention to how native English speakers pronounce different words and phrases. Try to imitate their pronunciation, and don't be afraid to pause the show and repeat after them.
• Listen for Intonation: Intonation is the rise and fall of the voice when speaking. It can convey different emotions and meanings. Pay attention to how intonation is used in different situations, and try to incorporate it into your own speech.
• Identify Key Phrases: Listen for common phrases and expressions that are used repeatedly. These phrases are often essential for everyday conversations.
• Take Notes: Keep a notebook handy and jot down new words, phrases, and grammar points that you encounter. Review your notes regularly to reinforce your learning.
• Pause and Reflect: Don't rush through the show. Pause it frequently to reflect on what you've heard and understood. Ask yourself questions like, "What does this word mean?" or "Why did they say it that way?"

Use Subtitles Wisely

Subtitles are your best friend, but don't rely on them too much. Use them as a tool to help you understand, not as a crutch.

• Start with Japanese Subtitles: If you're a beginner, start by watching the show with Japanese subtitles. This will help you understand the overall context and follow the storyline.
• Switch to English Subtitles: Once you're comfortable with the Japanese subtitles, switch to English subtitles. This will allow you to focus on the English dialogue and see how it translates into written form.
• Turn off Subtitles: As you become more confident, try watching the show without any subtitles. This will force you to rely on your listening comprehension skills and improve your ability to understand spoken English.
• Use Subtitles Strategically: If you encounter a difficult word or phrase, pause the show and turn on the subtitles to see what it means. Then, turn the subtitles off and try to understand the phrase in context.
• Don't Read Ahead: Avoid reading the subtitles before you hear the dialogue. This will prevent you from actively listening and hinder your comprehension skills.

Shadowing

Shadowing is a technique where you repeat what you hear almost simultaneously. It's like being an echo of the speaker.

• Choose a Short Segment: Start with a short segment of the show, such as a few lines of dialogue or a short scene.
• Listen and Repeat: Listen to the segment and then repeat it immediately after the speaker. Try to match their pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm as closely as possible.
• Record Yourself: Record yourself shadowing and then compare your recording to the original. This will help you identify areas where you need to improve.
• Practice Regularly: Shadowing is most effective when practiced regularly. Set aside some time each day to shadow different segments of the show.
• Focus on Meaning: While it's important to focus on pronunciation and intonation, don't forget to understand the meaning of what you're saying. This will help you internalize the language and use it more naturally.

Vocabulary Building

As you watch, make a list of new words and phrases. Look them up, understand their meaning, and try to use them in your own sentences.

• Keep a Vocabulary Journal: Create a dedicated notebook or digital document for recording new vocabulary. Write down the word or phrase, its definition, and an example sentence.
• Use Flashcards: Create flashcards for new words and phrases. Write the word on one side and its definition and example sentence on the other side. Review the flashcards regularly to reinforce your learning.
• Use a Dictionary: Keep a dictionary handy and look up any words or phrases that you don't understand. Use an English-English dictionary to improve your understanding of the nuances of the language.
• Use Context Clues: Try to guess the meaning of a word or phrase from its context. This will help you develop your reading comprehension skills and improve your ability to understand unfamiliar words.
• Practice Using New Words: Make a conscious effort to use new words and phrases in your own conversations and writing. This will help you internalize the language and make it a part of your active vocabulary.

Don't Be Afraid to Pause and Rewind

If you don't understand something, don't just gloss over it. Pause the show, rewind, and listen again. Keep doing this until you understand what's being said.

• Take Your Time: Don't feel like you have to rush through the show. Take your time and pause whenever you need to.
• Rewind Strategically: If you miss something or don't understand a word, rewind the show and listen again. Pay attention to the pronunciation, intonation, and context.
• Don't Be Afraid to Ask: If you're still struggling to understand something, don't be afraid to ask for help. Ask a friend, a teacher, or an online language community.
• Use Online Resources: There are many online resources available to help you understand English. Use online dictionaries, grammar guides, and language forums to get the support you need.
• Be Patient: Learning a new language takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't understand everything right away. Keep practicing and you'll eventually improve.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Using Japanese TV shows to learn English is a fun, engaging, and effective way to improve your language skills. By choosing the right shows, using subtitles wisely, practicing shadowing, and building your vocabulary, you can turn your TV time into a valuable learning experience. Happy watching, and happy learning!