Video summary

How I learned Japanese || (Apps, Websites, Tips..)

Main summary

Key takeaways

Educational

Main ideas / concepts conveyed

  • The speaker learned Japanese mostly through self-study, but took 1–2 months of online classes to support grammar.
  • Their goal was conversational Japanese, not full fluency.
  • They emphasize that learning Japanese should be consistent and hobby-like, not constantly “serious study” or overly stressful.
  • They stress input + speaking/listening practice, along with motivation and interaction with others.
  • They warn against over-reliance on Google Translate.
  • They recommend specific websites, apps, and a YouTube channel, each used for a clear purpose in the learning process.
  • They highlight the value of:
    • Real exposure (anime/drama/songs/movies)
    • Real communication (messaging/calling with Japanese speakers)

Core background / motivation

  • During quarantine in Cebu (around 22 Jan 2021, ~3 months stuck at home), the speaker had lots of free time.
  • They noticed they already had “stuck knowledge” from anime (e.g., random words/phrases like bakayada, wakaru).
  • They used that familiarity to start learning Japanese more seriously, initially motivated by boredom + anime exposure.

Methodology / tips and instruction list

Websites (main tools)

  • Jisho.org
    • Use it as a dictionary for:
      • Kanji meanings
      • Examples/usage
      • Stroke breakdowns / how strokes work
    • If you don’t know how to write something in Japanese:
      • Search using romaji to find Japanese forms and related meanings.
  • (Lately Japanese)
    • Used mainly due to slang in content from Japanese friends.
    • Warning: Don’t rely too much on Google Translate (accuracy issues / “trust issues”).

Apps (main tools)

  • HelloTalk
    • Language exchange app:
      • You teach your native language; they teach theirs.
    • Intended for making friends and practicing.
    • Possible issue: the speaker was temporarily banned/reported, but still receives notifications from friends.
    • Optional feature: if both agree, you can call through the app.
  • Yay
    • Public calls / community with:
      • Native Japanese speakers
      • People studying Japanese (similar vibe to language-learning apps)
    • Caution:
      • Can include potentially dangerous/scary people
      • There may be younger users (the speaker mentions 11-year-olds), so be careful.
    • Purpose: best for speaking and listening practice.
  • Kana Town
    • Flashcard app for hiragana and katakana
    • Uses quizzes/tests to build speed and familiarity.
    • Recommended by the speaker’s Japanese teacher.
  • Manga-reading app (downloaded via “Co-op”)
    • Used to practice:
      • Reading hiragana/katakana
      • Encountering kanji
    • The speaker translates first, and then suggests you can look up words in jisho.org afterward.
    • Note: “Co-op” is described as a place to download international apps/games not available in the speaker’s country (speaker isn’t sure about legality).

YouTube / content creators

  • Onono mapu / Onomnomapu (mentioned by the speaker)
    • Teaches:
      • Onomatopoeia
      • Japanese structure / expressions
      • Life in Japan
    • Speaks Japanese at a pace that’s understandable (not too fast/slow).
    • The speaker finds it funny and motivating.
  • General viewing habits:
    • The speaker doesn’t watch many Japanese YouTubers besides:
      • Anime-related content
      • Japanese vlogs, etc.
  • Uses YouTube/Spotify content for listening practice.

Learning process (how they studied)

  1. Start with hiragana + katakana, but:
    • Don’t necessarily “memorize everything in one sitting.”
    • Instead:
      • Write/practice them
      • Refresh your brain over time
  2. If you get tired:
    • Stop and do something else (e.g., watch Netflix),
    • Then come back later when motivated again.
  3. Use a slow pace for hiragana/katakana practice because it’s more efficient (for them).

Main tips for other learners

  • Tip 1: Take classes (short-term is fine)

    • Even if self-studying, take 1–2 months if possible.
    • Benefits:
      • Improves grammar
      • You can get questions answered quickly
      • Classes may include books/digital copies and a structured set of kanji/learning materials
    • The speaker mentions they’ll leave a link for the class called “Zone” (as stated).

  • Tip 2: Expose yourself to Japanese constantly

    • Listen to/watch:
      • Songs
      • Movies
      • Anime
      • Drama
    • Goal: pick up words and structures naturally through repetition and context.
    • Caution: don’t rely too much on translations—focus on your teachers and your learning process.

  • Tip 3: Prioritize speaking/listening

    • Their practice focuses on:
      • Speaking
      • Listening
    • Aim: sound more natural and build real language ability.

  • Tip 4: Practice with Japanese people

    • Use HelloTalk:
      • Message/call if possible
      • Make friends and practice
    • If you make mistakes:
      • Don’t worry—assume they’ll help if they’re kind and interested.
    • Keep in touch periodically (not necessarily every day).

  • Tip 5: Think in Japanese

    • A commonly suggested strategy emphasized by the speaker.
    • Purpose: get used to forming sentences and using phrases naturally.

  • Tip 6: Find motivation

    • Motivation is framed as a major driver of progress.
    • Example: TikTokers helped motivate them to understand what they’re saying and continue studying.
    • Key statement: motivation can come from anyone as long as it pushes you toward your learning goals.

Disclaimers / clarifications included

  • The speaker repeats they are not fluent; they practice conversational Japanese.
  • They mention their method includes some paid components, but it’s optional.
  • They explicitly say you don’t have to take online classes if you don’t want to—though it helps.

Speakers / sources featured

  • Speaker (unnamed YouTuber / channel owner): “Thought much’s channel” (the narrator providing advice and personal experience)
  • Jisho.org (website/dictionary)
  • “Lately Japanese” (website mentioned)
  • Apps
    • HelloTalk
    • Yay
    • Kana Town
    • A Japanese manga app (name not specified; downloaded via “Co-op”)
  • YouTube channel
    • Onono mapu / Onomnomapu (spelling in subtitles is inconsistent, but this is the referenced channel/creator)
  • Google Translate (mentioned as something not to rely on heavily)
  • Class “Zone” (referenced as a program with a link in the video description)
  • TikTokers / TikTok (motivation source mentioned)

Original video