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The Best Anime to Help you Practise Japanese Language
Have you started to learn Japanese and want to practice but you find most anime difficult to understand? Well, look no further! Here, we have curated a list of our favourite anime to help you improve your Japanese comprehension!
Samurai Champloo / サムライチャンプルー
Episodes: 26 (25 mins)
Released: 2005
Set in Japan's Edo period, Samurai Champloo follows the adventures of a tea waitress named Fuu, a Ronin named Jin and an outlaw named Mugin as they try to find the "samurai who smells of sunflowers". The Japanese theme is offset by a heavy use of hip hop music and culture in the show's overall makeup.
With lessons on the acceptance of other people's points of view, excellent fight choreography and an award winning soundtrack, Samurai Champloo is a highly addictive watch and a great way to brush up on your Japanese listening skills!
Death Note
Episodes: 37 (20 mins)
Released: 2006
Death Note is a very popular anime following the story of Light Yagami, a genius high schooler who finds a mysterious notebook that kills anyone whose name is written in it. He then sets out on a journey to rid the world of crime by killing those he deems immoral.
Exploring the nature and laws of morality, Death Note asks a lot of big questions. There is excellent character development from Light and some of the supporting cast members. It's easy to follow and fun to watch. Definitely one to keep on your list!
Attack on Titan / 進撃の巨人
Episodes: 87 (20 mins)
Released: 2013
Attack on Titan is an undeniably weird anime that follows the story of Eren Yeager and is set in a world where humans are confined to walled in cities to protect themselves from skinless, man eating giants who roam outside (told you it was weird).
Eren's hometown is invaded by these giants and his mother is killed, causing him to go on a mission to exterminate them all and bring peace back to humanity.
Despite the slightly odd concept, the story is original and engaging and the fantasy world created within is full of interesting outfits, battle gear and customs. You won't be disappointed
Cowboy Bebop / カウボーイビバップ
Episodes: 26 (22 mins)
Released: 1998
An old school anime, Cowboy Bebop is one of the most popular Japanese cartoons of all time. Set on a spaceship called the Bebop, the story follows a gang of bounty hunters as they go about their business.
Heavily science fiction based, Cowboy Bebop was one of the first animes to be dubbed into English and the first to gain widespread popularity in the US.
Anyone with an interest in Japanese language and culture should watch this to properly understand how Japanese animation has influenced the shows we watch in the West to this day.
Chi's Sweet Home / チーズスイートホーム
Episodes: 26 (3mins)
Released: 2008
This anime is about the adventure of Chi, a small white and grey lost kitten who is taken in by a young boy Youhei and his family (the Yamadas). The place where the Yamadas reside at prohibits pets, so they decide to move as finding a new owner proved difficult. At first, Chi struggles to adapt herself to her new house but she soon comes to love it.
There are 26 episodes in total, but each episode is less than 3mins long allowing you to finish the series in no time. It is perfect for those who want to practice their Japanese listening skills. Also, who doesn’t like cats?!
Did you enjoy Chi's Sweet Home? Well, you're in for a treat!! There are 3 other seasons that you can check out!
Demon Slayer / 鬼滅の刃
Episodes: 26 (25 mins)
Released: 2008
The newest anime on this list, Demon Slayer follows Tanjiro Kamado, a teenager who becomes a demon slayer after his family are slaughtered and his younger sister is turned into a demon.
The anime has been so popular, it has spawned several sequel series, a movie and a range of manga comics. The movie alone is one of the highest grossing Japanese films of all time and there are still seasons to be released!
Judging by its current popularity , it's safe to say Demon Slayer will have an influence on anime culture in years to come. Best check it out while it's still fresh!
Non Non Biyori / のんのん日和
Episodes: 12 + 1 OVA (25 mins)
Released: 2013
We are introduced to a rural village, Asahigaoka, where Renge Miyauchi, Natsumi, Komari and Sugurumain all of different ages reside. Since the village is so small there is only one school with only one class. A new transfer student, Hotaru, arrives to join the class. The plot mainly focuses on the daily lives of the five students within that only class.
This anime is also has 13 episodes in the first season and lasts for about 25mins. It is one of the more peaceful animes with soothing music and the use of sound. As the story is quite simple it should make it easier for you to practice your listening and possibly even predict the next lines.
Did you enjoy Non Non Biyori? There are also 3 other seasons that you can check out! Non Non Biyori Repeat, Non Non Biyori Vacation and Non Non Biyori Nonstop which is still airing!
My Little Monster / Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun / となりの怪物くん
Episodes: 13 (30 mins)
Released: 2012
In this anime we are introduced to a high school student, Shizuku who has no other interests apart from studying. She sits next to Haru who is a troublemaker and rarely goes to class. Shizuku is asked to drop off some handouts to Haru who somehow befriends her. Shizuku has a nickname “Dry Ice” as she shows no emotions but throughout the series, she begins to form a relationship with Haru and warms up.
This series has 13 episodes with each lasting for less than 30mins. It is a straightforward anime to understand, which allows you to use some of the grammar that you’ve previously learnt.
One Punch Man / ワンパンマン
Episodes: 12 (25 mins)
Released: 2015
This anime is about Saitama who has a hobby of being a superhero! To pursue his dream, he trained so hard he lost all of his hair... To defeat his enemies, all it takes is one punch from Saitama. However, because he has so much power he has grown bored. Is he able to carry on as One Punch Man?
This anime is rather entertaining as we see enemies flying around because of Saitama's power. Since the series revolves around this concept, it is quite repetitive and this can help increase your listening skills. If you enjoyed the first season don't be afraid to check out the second season!!
Tower of God / Kami no Tou / 神之塔
Episodes: 13 (30 mins)
Released: 2020
The series is about a young boy named Bam who climbs the Tower to reach Rachel. The Tower consists of many levels, each requiring you to past a test to get past. “Regulars” are those who are chosen and are summoned by the tower and “irregulars” are unchosen. Bam discovers that he is an irregular as he wasn’t summoned but the gates opened up to him.
Although this is a Korean based manhwa, is was adapted into a Japanese anime. The series contains 13 episodes which goes on for about 25mins. It is more on the action side on anime and consists of mysterious characters. As the anime uses a lot of English based words, it makes it easier for you to understand.