Learn Japanese Pod

In this podcast, Alex and Andy talk about their experience setting up a company in Japan, why they did it and how! In this episode of Learn Japanese Pod, Andy and I dive into the world of starting a small business in Japan. We share our personal journeys of setting up our own company , the lessons we learned, and the surprises we encountered along the way. If you’re a foreigner living in Japan—or planning to move here—and you’ve ever thought about launching your own business, this episode is packed with useful insights and real talk. What We Talked About in This Episode Here are some of the main topics we covered: Why we decided to set up a company in Japan Our motivations, goals, and what pushed us to take the leap from freelance to incorporating. Types of companies you can register in Japan We break down common structures like the Godo Kaisha (GK) and Kabushiki Kaisha (KK), and why we chose what we did. Legal and financial help – Do you need a lawyer or tax accountant? How we found help with paperwork, taxes, and navigating the legal landscape. The process of registering a company in Japan From choosing a company name to getting all the documents stamped, we share what was smooth—and what wasn’t. Hanko culture and paperwork What it was like getting our hankos (personal/company seals) made and how they’re used for official documents. Registering your company name Tips and gotchas when reserving a name, and how we made sure ours passed. Our overall experience – Was it easy or hard? We compare notes on how bureaucratic (or not) the process was, and how long it took. Listen to the Episode Click here to listen now or find it on your favorite podcast platform. Key Takeaways Preparation is key – Research and planning go a long way in making the process smoother. Get help – Hiring a bilingual tax accountant or lawyer can save you time and stress. Japan’s system is unique – Cultural and legal differences (like using hankos) can be surprising, but manageable with guidance. It’s possible! – Setting up a company in Japan as a foreigner is very doable with the right support and mindset. For more podcasts on learning the Japanese language and discovering more about the culture of Japan, click here!

In this episode, you’ll learn how to understand Japanese vocabulary — using only Japanese. Specifically, we’ll focus on how to ask for the meaning of words in Japanese and try to understand the explanations you hear. Mastering this skill not only boosts your vocabulary but also deepens your understanding of how words are naturally used in context. And remember, this becomes an exponential process – the more words you learn, the more words you can learn. It’s an extremely effective way to improve fluency. Admittedly, this can be a challenging skill to develop, especially for beginners who may not yet have enough vocabulary to follow explanations in Japanese. However, it’s an incredibly valuable skill to work on at any level. Over time, it will greatly improve your ability to use and understand Japanese more like a native speaker.

The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 59 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Learn Japanese Pod Patreon

In this Fun Friday edition of the Learn Japanese Pod podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Katheryn Gronauer, a Tokyo-based entrepreneur with a fascinating background. She shared incredible insights and stories, including her unique experience growing up in a family that managed sento—traditional Japanese public baths. We talked about what it was like helping her family run the business and how those early experiences shaped her approach to leadership and personal developmenttoday. Katheryn has since taken that knowledge and applied it to her coaching practice, The Sento Mindset, which focuses on rethinking life with honesty and courage to achieve your goals and achieve success. Beyond that, we discussed life in Tokyo, and plenty of other thought-provoking topics. It was a fantastic conversation, and I can’t wait for you to hear it!  

Discover the intricacies of opening a bank account in Japan, complete with essential vocabulary and practical phrases. Learn how to navigate banking conversations and manage money like a local. Dive into the cultural context surrounding Japanese banking, shedding light on unique practices and expectations. Explore the contrast between traditional banks and digital services, a vital insight for tech-savvy users. Equip yourself with tools to tackle various financial interactions with confidence!

The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 58 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Learn Japanese Pod Patreon

Dive into the world of money management in Japan with essential vocabulary and phrases. Learn the cultural significance of cashless payments like the Suica card and PayPay app. Discover the etiquette of handling money, including respectful exchanges and the absence of tipping. Enjoy a humorous twist on money-related conversations while exploring dialectal differences. Uncover unique customs, such as gifting cash in decorative envelopes and the importance of discretion in financial dealings.

Explore an exciting new premium membership offer that unlocks exclusive content for dedicated learners. Dive into personalized audio drills designed to enhance your language skills. Enjoy the benefits of access to additional episodes and unique resources. The hosts express gratitude for the community's support, making this an engaging and rewarding experience for everyone!

In recent years, Japan has experienced a surge in tourism, with millions flocking to its stunning temples, bustling cities, and serene landscapes. However, this boom has also brought about a significant issue: overtourism. As more travelers visit, overcrowding and a minority of obnoxious tourists has become increasingly problematic, causing frustration and discomfort among the locals […]

In this podcast, we focus on phrases related to dating in Japan. We’ll cover phrases to express your feelings about someone as well as describe your current and past relationship status. Finally, we talk about how dating culture in Japan differs from dating in the West. Check out our Patreon page to get access to […]