When we think of Japanese shows, we can often be reminded of game shows or challenge shows that make their way across the world due to their crazy nature. Often, the crazier they are, the more likely they will be viewed around the world.
Not all Japanese shows are as “out of this world” as you may have seen. Most that are watched are very informative, so watching Japanese television can be a great way to learn Japanese culture and language.
I think those sort of shows could be a bit difficult to understand.
Maybe you’re not understanding everything quite yet but that will change very quickly. All the challenges and subjects that are presented can still be understood just by watching them. Understanding the context visually will allow you to passively learn vocabulary and grammar.
Depending on what the show is about the formality of the conversation will change. If the guest on a show is young and possibly talking about something they have produced or been a part of creating, they may speak in a formal manner. Whereas, some shows can have a comedy value to them which makes the show very casual, making the guests and hosts casual in the way they speak.
This is good as you get to see how people’s reactions, body language, speech patterns etc, change when they interact with each other in different formalities.
The best thing about Japanese shows is that they often have subtitles that come up during conversations or challenges. There are many reasons for this. Similar sounding words can be easily understood if there is no context, especially when conversations can change very quickly. The subtitles can also add a comic style aspect to a show to increase it’s comedy value. Another reason could be that there are many dialects in Japan and with that comes different sayings and pronunciation of spoken words, the subtitles that pop up will allow everyone to understand what is being said.
One of the best things about having subtitles. It will increase your understanding and recollection speed for Kana and Kanji. As you keep watching a sketch or part of the show where the guests are speaking about a specific subject, the same words will keep popping up. Therefore, the more you read while hearing the words, the faster they will sink in.
I’m not really into shows, I prefer anime.
Although watching anything in Japanese is great to help build up vocabulary and grammar. Unfortunately, anime dialogue can often be nothing like the real world. If anything, they often use complicated grammar and vocabulary. Certainly grammar or phrases that you just wouldn’t hear when talking to your friends in Japan. That’s why Japanese shows are probably better to watch for understanding how natives talk naturally.
So we made a list of top five TV panel shows to watch;
1 - 世界の果てまでイッテQ (Sekai no Hate Made Itte Q) - To the end of the world itte Q
Abbreviated as “Itte Q” this show comes across as an informative travel (comedy) show that gives an insight to other countries' culture and points of interest. The challenges that take place are presented by a series of hosts that appear every episode. Two of the most famous being Ayaka Imoto who is known for her extremely large made up eyebrows, and Miyazon who is often told to find his way to certain checkpoints by only using his very very poor English skills.
2 - ガキの使い (Gaki no Tsukai) - Errand Boys
This show has been going since 1989 celebrating its 1000th episode back in 2010. It’s full title is Downtown no Gaki no Tsukai ya Arahende!! (ダウンタウンのガキの使いやあらへんで!!), which means "Downtown's We Aren't Errand Boys!" But is often abbreviated as Gaki no Tsukai. It is a Japanese variety show known for it’s boisterous antics and challenges. Often hosted by five or six men, two of which have been presenting since its pilot episode. Hitoshi Matsumoto and Masatoshi Hamada. Both these comedians play off each other very well, and both would be seen enjoying the others misfortune.
The language used in this show can be extremely casual and takes quite some time to get used to however just for its raw comedy Gaki no Tsukai is hilarious.
3 - YOUは何しに日本へ? (You wa Nanishi ni Nihon e?) - Why Did You Come to Japan?
A great show that captures the insight of foreign travellers to Japan. Nearly all the people that visit Japan have very similar interests so it is easily relatable. Often the person being interviewed is an English speaker so subtitles that come show give a great hand to helping you follow along with the Japanese whilst hearing the English.
This show is great for beginners that are learning Japanese as it has a good mix of basic to intermediate Japanese.
4 - 天才！志村どうぶつ園 (Tensai! Shimura Doubutsuen) – Genius! Shimura Zoo
This is one great show and can appeal to anyone as its harmless comedy concentrates on the interaction of animals with the show's guests. It is great for people starting out with Japanese language, as this show can appeal to children, its grammar patterns and vocabulary can be understood clearly. It is also good to hear a mix of formal and casual styles of Japanese.
Sadly in March 2020, Shimura Ken, the show’s host, passed away due to complications with Coronavirus.
5 - 食わず嫌い(Kuwazu Girai) - Food you don’t like
As you can imagine by its title, it’s main subject is about food. Hosted by comedy duo, Takaaki Ishibashi (石橋 貴明 ) and Noritake Kinashi (木梨 憲武 ). Guests and special guests participate in guessing which food the special guests won’t like.
The language used on this show is not too difficult to understand so you will be able to talk about different types of food in no time. Food is one of the top reasons why people travel to Japan, so this show can be very useful.
Some honourable mentions that are definitely worth a watch.
アメトーーク (ame toooku) - Ame Talk
しゃべくり007 (shabekuri 007) - 007 Talk
世界一受けたい授業 (Sekai ichi uketai jugyou) - The class that you want to take most in the world
笑ってコラえて (Waratte koraete) - Laugh and be patient
So much to watch! where shall I start?
For beginners and ease of understanding
- You wa nani shi ni nihon e?
Once again nani shi ni nihon e? Is very relatable. With its easy to understand questions that you will most likely hear if you travel to Japan it gives you a great start to practice your own answers.
- Tensai! Shimura Doubutsuen
Shimura Doubutsuen is so easy to watch and the language is so easy to understand. You’ll know every animal in the world before you head to Japan that is for sure, but you will have definitely picked up some casual and formal grammar.
For comical value
- Gaki no Tsukai
Gaki no tsukai has been around for a long time and it stands the test of time with its humour. It is quite “ladish” but can still be appealing.
- ItteQ
ItteQ has to be one of the funniest shows around. Watching Japanese people discover the world while participating in different challenges, along with a language barrier is very relatable.
When we think of Japanese shows, we can often be reminded of game shows or challenge shows that make their way across the world due to their crazy nature. Often, the crazier they are, the more likely they will be viewed around the world.
Not all Japanese shows are as “out of this world” as you may have seen. Most that are watched are very informative, so watching Japanese television can be a great way to learn Japanese culture and language.
I think those sort of shows could be a bit difficult to understand
Maybe you’re not understanding everything quite yet but that will change very quickly. All the challenges and subjects that are presented can still be understood just by watching them. Understanding the context visually will allow you to passively learn vocabulary and grammar.
Depending on what the show is about the formality of the conversation will change. If the guest on a show is young and possibly talking about something they have produced or been a part of creating, they may speak in a formal manner. Whereas, some shows can have a comedy value to them which makes the show very casual, making the guests and hosts casual in the way they speak.
This is good as you get to see how people’s reactions, body language, speech patterns etc, change when they interact with each other in different formalities.
The best thing about Japanese shows is that they often have subtitles that come up during conversations or challenges. There are many reasons for this. Similar sounding words can be easily understood if there is no context, especially when conversations can change very quickly. The subtitles can also add a comic style aspect to a show to increase it’s comedy value. Another reason could be that there are many dialects in Japan and with that comes different sayings and pronunciation of spoken words, the subtitles that pop up will allow everyone to understand what is being said.
One of the best things about having subtitles. It will increase your understanding and recollection speed for Kana and Kanji. As you keep watching a sketch or part of the show where the guests are speaking about a specific subject, the same words will keep popping up. Therefore, the more you read while hearing the words, the faster they will sink in.
I’m not really into shows, I prefer anime
Although watching anything in Japanese is great to help build up vocabulary and grammar. Unfortunately, anime dialogue can often be nothing like the real world. If anything, they often use complicated grammar and vocabulary. Certainly grammar or phrases that you just wouldn’t hear when talking to your friends in Japan. That’s why Japanese shows are probably better to watch for understanding how natives talk naturally.
So we made a list of top five TV panel shows to watch;
1 - 世界の果てまでイッテQ (Sekai no Hate Made Itte Q) - To the end of the world itte Q
Abbreviated as “Itte Q” this show comes across as an informative travel (comedy) show that gives an insight to other countries' culture and points of interest. The challenges that take place are presented by a series of hosts that appear every episode. Two of the most famous being Ayaka Imoto who is known for her extremely large made up eyebrows, and Miyazon who is often told to find his way to certain checkpoints by only using his very very poor English skills.
2 - ガキの使い (Gaki no Tsukai) - Downtown Errand Boys
This show has been going since 1989 celebrating its 1000th episode back in 2010. It’s full title is Downtown no Gaki no Tsukai ya Arahende!! (ダウンタウンのガキの使いやあらへんで!!), which means "Downtown's We Aren't Errand Boys!" But is often abbreviated as Gaki no Tsukai. It is a Japanese variety show known for it’s boisterous antics and challenges. Often hosted by five or six men, two of which have been presenting since its pilot episode. Hitoshi Matsumoto and Masatoshi Hamada. Both these comedians play off each other very well, and both would be seen enjoying the others misfortune.
The language used in this show can be extremely casual and takes quite some time to get used to however just for its raw comedy Gaki no Tsukai is hilarious.
3 - YOUは何しに日本へ? (You wa Nanishi ni Nihon e?) - Why Did You Come to Japan?
A great show that captures the insight of foreign travellers to Japan. Nearly all the people that visit Japan have very similar interests so it is easily relatable. Often the person being interviewed is an English speaker so subtitles that come show give a great hand to helping you follow along with the Japanese whilst hearing the English.
This show is great for beginners that are learning Japanese as it has a good mix of basic to intermediate Japanese.
4 - 天才！志村どうぶつ園 (Tensai! Shimura Doubutsuen) – Genius! Shimura Zoo
This is one great show and can appeal to anyone as its harmless comedy concentrates on the interaction of animals with the show's guests. It is great for people starting out with Japanese language, as this show can appeal to children, its grammar patterns and vocabulary can be understood clearly. It is also good to hear a mix of formal and casual styles of Japanese.
Sadly in March 2020, Shimura Ken, the show’s host, passed away due to complications with Coronavirus.
5 - 食わず嫌い(Kuwazu Girai) - Food you don’t like
As you can imagine by its title, it’s main subject is about food. Hosted by comedy duo, Takaaki Ishibashi (石橋 貴明 ) and Noritake Kinashi (木梨 憲武 ). Guests and special guests participate in guessing which food the special guests won’t like.
The language used on this show is not too difficult to understand so you will be able to talk about different types of food in no time. Food is one of the top reasons why people travel to Japan, so this show can be very useful.
Some honourable mentions that are definitely worth a watch
アメトーーク (ame toooku) - Ame Talk
しゃべくり007 (shabekuri 007) - 007 Talk
世界一受けたい授業 (Sekai ichi uketai jugyou) - The class that you want to take most in the world
笑ってコラえて (Waratte koraete) - Laugh and be patient
So much to watch! where shall I start?
For beginners and ease of understanding
- You wa nani shi ni nihon e?
Once again nani shi ni nihon e? Is very relatable. With its easy to understand questions that you will most likely hear if you travel to Japan it gives you a great start to practice your own answers.
- Tensai! Shimura Doubutsuen
Shimura Doubutsuen is so easy to watch and the language is so easy to understand. You’ll know every animal in the world before you head to Japan that is for sure, but you will have definitely picked up some casual and formal grammar.
For comical value
- Gaki no Tsukai
Gaki no tsukai has been around for a long time and it stands the test of time with its humour. It is quite “ladish” but can still be appealing.
- ItteQ
ItteQ has to be one of the funniest shows around. Watching Japanese people discover the world while participating in different challenges, along with a language barrier is very relatable.