Are you an anime fan who’s also learning Japanese? You’re in luck! Watching anime is a fantastic way to supplement your language studies, giving you exposure to natural conversation, different dialects, and a fun way to practice your listening skills. We’ve compiled a list of the top 5 animes to watch, ranked by their suitability for different levels of Japanese learners.
1. Doraemon
Doraemon is a classic children’s anime, and its simple language makes it perfect for absolute beginners. The episodes follow the daily life of a young boy named Nobita and his robotic cat, Doraemon. The dialogue uses basic vocabulary and straightforward sentence structures, making it easy to follow along with the story. It’s a great starting point for anyone just beginning their Japanese language journey.
2. Shirokuma Cafe (Polar Bear Café)
If you’re a beginner to an intermediate learner, Shirokuma Cafe is an excellent choice. This charming “slice of life” anime features a polar bear who runs a cafe for his animal and human friends. The show’s dialogue focuses on everyday conversation and vocabulary, making it highly practical for real-life situations. The pacing is gentle and the conversations are clear, which is ideal for improving your listening comprehension.
3. Haikyuu!!
For intermediate learners who are also sports fans, Haikyuu!! is a perfect fit. This anime follows a high school volleyball team and is a great source for learning casual slang and phrases used by young people. While it includes some sports-specific vocabulary, the conversational parts are highly applicable to everyday life. It’s an action-packed way to immerse yourself in more energetic and fast-paced Japanese.
4. Spy x Family
Spy x Family is a great option for intermediate learners, offering a mix of formal and informal Japanese. The story centers on a spy, an assassin, and a telepath who form a fake family. This provides a wide range of conversational contexts, from polite, formal speech to casual family banter, which helps you understand the different levels of formality in Japanese. The blend of humor and action keeps the story engaging, making it a fun learning tool.
5. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
If you’re an advanced learner ready for a challenge, Demon Slayer is a rewarding choice. Set in the Taisho era, this series uses more complex and formal language. It’s a great way to expand your vocabulary with historical terms and to practice following fast-paced dialogue and intricate plot points. While the language is more difficult, the captivating story and stunning animation make the effort worthwhile.