Japanese with Manu

Podcast by Manuela Ito-Loidl

English

Culture & leisure

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About Japanese with Manu

Hello, I am Manu, and I have been teaching Japanese since 2010. I know the struggles of studying Japanese as a non-native speaker first hand. I have poured my heart and soul into providing my students with the best lessons and study material for a hasslefree learning experience - as well as this podcast :) I am your tour guide. I’m here to give you insider information and show you new sides of the country you probably haven’t heard of before! My own learning journey started with the Nintendo game Super Mario Land. When I was eight years old I read the Club Nintendo magazine and learned that Super Mario was created by Shigeru Miyamoto, a Japanese video game designer. He was my idol back then, and I wanted to marry him. That didn’t happen, but my husband did end up being Japanese. Next, I started watching anime in Japanese. But the subtitles weren’t enough for me and so I started taking Japanese lessons in 2004. However, I was disappointed with the way that Japanese was being taught, and by some of my teachers’ difficulties explaining things to me. I knew there was another way, so I began teaching Japanese myself in 2010, first in German and since 2019 also in English. I live in the Japanese countryside, in the little-known prefecture of Fukui. Even most Japanese people do not know that it is the birthplace of Japan’s most popular rice, koshihikari. If you ever visit Fukui, let me know! I teach Japanese a little differently than you might expect. I have a lot of fun with my students. Within just two months, they learn hiragana, katakana, basic Japanese grammar and their first kanji. After the first class, students tell me, “Now I finally get it! It makes so much more sense now that you’ve explained it simply and clearly like that!” With my explanations I help you avoid the mistakes I made when I was learning Japanese, by structuring explanations in a way that will finally make sense! Looking forward to helping you improve your Japanese with my podcast :) よろしく (yoroshiku - Best regards), マヌ Manu

All episodes

7 episodes

Meishin - Superstition in Japan

famous examples, background information, grammar and vocabulary explanations Superstitions are part of every culture, also in Japan. In this episode I tell you about some of the most widespread superstitions of the Land of the Rising Sun. Most of them are completely different than what you know from your culture. I'll explain every single one of them, including words, phrases and grammar. Would you want to receive the notes/transcript? Simply sign up for my newsletter and receive them in your inbox :) Here's the link: https://www.japanesewithmanu.com/newsletter Do you want to get my book "Reading Japanese for Beginners?" You can order it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DV4NQ3YF It's available on all Amazon marketplaces.

14 Feb 2026 - 26 min

Gift-giving in Japan(ese)

and everything about Japanese Christmas Giving gifts is a pivotal part of Japanese culture, not only during Christmas. Of course that is also reflected in the Japanese language. In this episode you learn all the grammar and vocabulary for giving and receiving (even if you don't know any Japanese yet), and when it is wise to not give gifts. In the second part of this epsiode, I talk about how Christmas is celebrated in Japan, including useful vocabulary. In the end, you will receive a small present from me :) See/hear you soon - merikuri, yours Manu Sign up for my newsletter and receive the notes from this episode (and 5 free videos for beginners): www.japanesewithmanu.com/newsletter

23 Dec 2025 - 42 min

Koromogae - seasonal wardrobe change

Historical background, vocabulary, sentences dialogs Today's episode is about koromogae 衣替え the seasonal change of clothing First, I talk about the historical background up till the present, then I will teach you some useful vocabulary that is then used in several example sentences and dialolgues perfect for this topic. I have included sentences and dialogues for beginners and a little more advanced Japanese language learners. In case you want my notes for this episode, sign up for my newsletter. This way, you will also get a free 5 video introduction into the Japanese language, including grammar and the writing system: www.japanesewithmanu.com/newsletter

21 Oct 2025 - 48 min

Tsukimi - The Moon Viewing Celebration

Learn everything you need to know about the Japanese Moon Viewing celebration. Its historical background, why the Japanese see a rabbit on the moon, when and how you celebrate it - and what people in Japan eat and drink. Would you like the notes and vocabulary list for this episode? Sign up for my newsletter https://japanesewithmanu.com/newsletter and receive it automatically every time I publish a new episode!

6 Oct 2025 - 14 min

Tanabata - the Star Festival

Kanji, vocabulary, background information Today, it's the Star Festival in Japan. Learn everything you need to know about this summer festival - background information, vocabulary, kanji - even some sentences. Listen and take notes - this helps with memorizing things easier and permanently! Get my book for beginners: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DV4NQ3YF You want to study Japanese with me? Send me a message manu@japanesewithmanu.com You want to receive the pdf file of the notes? Sign up for my newsletter: https://japanesewithmanu.com/newsletter

7 Jul 2025 - 39 min

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