If you’re using the AJATT (All Japanese All The Time) method for studying Japanese, one of the things you must do is to listen to Japanese as much as you can. This of course a good thing if you’re using another method as well, but is specifically important with the AJATT method. Listening content can be hard to come by, the books you’re using might include audio, but they’re most of the time using very staged and unnatural Japanese.
My recommendation is using YouTube vloggers as a source of good listening content. I specifically stumbled upon a user called cotorich today which inspired me to write this post. The thing I noticed, besides the videos being entertaining, is that she is speaking very slowly. So because of that, her videos are great for beginners of Japanese.
Below are a few randomly picked videos.
Hikaru’s Diary #57
Good night
Hikaru’s Diary #24
And just for the luls
Well, how’s that for easy/intermediate listening content? She’s cute, the videos are fun, you learn Japanese. cotorich, or Hikaru, also has a photography blog which you can find here. Her photos are quite stunning!
Another channel that might be worth checking out is megwin. It has a much higher pace but it’s a lot of fun^^
If you’re looking after even more listening content, here’s a couple of good reads:
Extract Audio from a Video to Increase Listening Content – DumbOtaku
Building a Tolerance/Pain Threshold for Hearing Japanese – DumbOtaku
If you know of any other channels like this I’d be happy to know about them, so please leave a comment if you do!
Possibly related posts:
{ 31 comments… read them below or add one }
I don’t use the AJATT method completely, but I definitely understand that surrounding yourself with the Japanese language is essential. You seem to have a great hold on listening^^ I never knew how to find good youtube videos of Japanese vlogger’s… until now! Thanks!
I’ll definitely post again if I find similar Japanese vloggers, they’re not that easy to find, but this is definitely a good source for beginners!
She does speak slowly and clearly which is really good. I’ve seen the first video, looking forward to watching them all when I have the time.
Comment edited: She does not sleep slowly anymore^^
I’ve recently been using youtube for listening as well. I only use it though when at home n such. I still like to use my podcasts as well as audio books. Her vids are good as she does speak slower than normal. Nice post and thankx!
Yeah, I use podcasts a lot as well, I haven’t thought of audio books however, gonna have to look that up! :)
She speaks slowly and is cute but it seems a bit boring ):
Although Megwin is hilarious and I could watch it all day without even understanding it.
I find it amusing, but I guess there are a few who don’t find stuff like this entertaining too! Indeed megwin is awesome and you don’t need to understand what he says, although it sometimes makes it better if you do understand what he’s saying^^
I have a few audio books I could give you if you want. My ipod has a nice section full of them :-)
That would be great! Are they kids’ books or are they more advanced? Or perhaps both…
I have a ton of kids stories.. A TON, but I do have some older books.. even Tale of Genji series!
That sounds good! I think I’d like to try something simple first, mind sharing something?
yes yes I’ll have to give you a list when I get home. I’m currently at work and can’t remember the podcast title.. there is a site that goes with it but.. I’ll make a list of them when I get home and give you a heads up!
Cool! Looking forward to that! :)
Don’t know what they’re saying. But it sound good.
May I suggest Drama CD? Especially the ones including your favorite seiyuu :D maybe you won’t understand a thing (like I do D:) but it’s not that unpleasant ;)
Drama CD? I’ve never heard of it… But do suggest something, I’d like to try it! :D
From what I have seen most anime soundtracks will come with a drama of that series on it. If you like Rosario + Vampire do a bit of searching and there are some drama cd’s for it. Also Zero no Tsukaima is a good one too.
And in my haste to reply i forgot to say thanks for the linkage :D I am glad they helped someone.
Oh cool, I had no idea! I’ll have to look that up. I wonder if there are any drama cd’s for Lucky Star…
m(_ _)m どうぞ! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Lucky_Star_albums#Drama_CD
Oooh, must have! Thanks^^
Cotorich is hot, I had her in my youtube since a long time subscribed, did you know she has hairy armpits? (where she shows it it’s one of her most watched videos xD) I do agree it’s a good and fun and entertaining to watch Japanese girls talking. :D
I am going to check out your other url’s soon.
Yeah I saw that video, it was definitely a shocking moment… I was seriously surprised^^
I don’t think it’s the only place she’s hairy. :P Se seems like a natural to me. xD
What do you mean? Like… is she hairy on her feet?^^
:P I think I can’t tell on the squeay clean website.
I believe in freedom of speech, as long as it’s not spam ;)
This place offers audio downloads for money:
http://www.hearjapan.com/store/genre?genre=72&page=
1
She’s a porn star, you know.
Haha really? I had no idea :D