Kanji & Coffee is a relaxed, coffee-break podcast about language, culture, and life in Japan—brewed fresh every week.
Amber from Tokyo and Kade the expat chat about real Japanese and real experiences: subtle phrase nuances, word origins, everyday expressions, internet memes, and the kind of language you actually hear from people, not textbooks. Amber breaks down natural Japanese in an easy, approachable way, while Kade shares honest perspectives on moving to Japan and building a life here.
The conversations are slow, clear, and natural—easy to follow for Japanese listeners learning English, and perfect for English speakers who want to understand how Japanese is really used. Expect meaningful talks, cultural insights, bilingual moments, and plenty of “ohhh, that’s why” discoveries.
Grab a coffee and learn with us—one sip at a time ☕️
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of Japanese Yokai—mysterious creatures, spirits, and supernatural beings that have been part of Japan’s culture and folklore for centuries. From well-known figures like Kappa and Tengu to more obscure and bizarre legends, Amber introduces the stories, meanings, and cultural background behind these iconic beings and tells us if they are considered good or evil spirits. We talk about the origin of Yokai and how they evolved ove...
30 Mar 2026
AI | JAP/ENG Bilingual Friends 語 #7
Send us Fan Mail This is our unscripted conversation format where we chat naturally and switch between Japanese and English in real time. Whenever one of us speaks, we repeat the same idea in the other language and if we make mistakes, we correct each other on the spot. The goal? To help you train your ears through real, relaxed conversation. In this episode, we talk about AI. Put it on in the background, relax, and join us with a cup of coffee. ☕
26 Mar 2026
Coffee | Bilingual Friends 語 JAP/ENG #6
Send us Fan Mail This is our unscripted conversation format where we chat naturally and switch between Japanese and English in real time. Whenever one of us speaks, we repeat the same idea in the other language and if we make mistakes, we correct each other on the spot. The goal? To help you train your ears through real, relaxed conversation. In this episode, we talk about Coffee. Put it on in the background, relax, and join us with a cup of coffee. ☕
23 Mar 2026
Favorite tea | Bilingual Friends 語 JAP/ENG #5
Send us Fan Mail This is our new unscripted conversation format where we chat naturally and switch between Japanese and English in real time. Whenever one of us speaks, we repeat the same idea in the other language — and if we make mistakes, we correct each other on the spot. The goal? To help you train your ears through real, relaxed conversation. In this episode, we talk about our favorite tea. Put it on in the background, relax, and join us with a cup of coffee. ☕
21 Mar 2026
【学】How to sound like a native Japanese | Japan Explained
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we take a deeper dive into what really makes Japanese sound natural and why foreigners often sound a little off. Amber breaks down the rhythm, pitch, and intonation patterns that native speakers use every day—things you won’t easily pick up from textbooks. We talk about how Japanese flows, why certain words feel “flat” or “musical,” and how small changes in pitch can completely change how you sound. If you’ve ever felt like your Japanese is correct but still...
Send us Fan Mail This is our unscripted conversation format where we chat naturally and switch between Japanese and English in real time. Whenever one of us speaks, we repeat the same idea in the other language and if we make mistakes, we correct each other on the spot. The goal? To help you train your ears through real, relaxed conversation. In this episode, we talk about the Baki Manga and the famous Samurai Miyamoto Musashi. Put it on in the background, relax, and join us with a cup of ...
16 Mar 2026
Train transfer | JAP/ENG Bilingual Friends 語 #3
Send us Fan Mail This is our new unscripted conversation format where we chat naturally and switch between Japanese and English in real time. Whenever one of us speaks, we repeat the same idea in the other language and if we make mistakes, we correct each other on the spot. The goal? To help you train your ears through real, relaxed conversation. In this episode, we talk about public transport in Japan and about how confusing train transfers can be, especially at Tokyo Station. Put it on i...
Send us Fan Mail This is our new unscripted conversation format where we chat naturally and switch between Japanese and English in real time. Whenever one of us speaks, we repeat the same idea in the other language — and if we make mistakes, we correct each other on the spot. The goal? To help you train your ears through real, relaxed conversation. In this episode, we talk about exercise, running and training frequency. Put it on in the background, relax, and join us with a cup of coffee. ...
6 Mar 2026
【学】Spring in Japan: Sakura, Plum Blossoms & Surviving Pollen Season | Japan Explained
Send us Fan Mail Spring is one of the most iconic seasons in Japan. In this episode, we explore the difference between sakura and plum blossoms, why hanami is such a big cultural event, and how pollen allergies affect so many people during this time of year. We also talk about Hina Matsuri and its meaning in Japanese culture. Whether you’re living in Japan or just dreaming of visiting, this episode will bring you a little closer to springtime here. Grab a coffee and join us as we welcome sp...
2 Mar 2026
Sakura, Gardens & Manga | JAP/ENG Bilingual Friends 語 #1
Send us Fan Mail This is our new unscripted conversation format where we chat naturally and switch between Japanese and English in real time. Whenever one of us speaks, we repeat the same idea in the other language — and if we make mistakes, we correct each other on the spot. The goal? To help you train your ears through real, relaxed conversation. In this episode, we talk about cherry blossoms, traditional Japanese gardens, and manga from a famous author. Put it on in the background, r...
23 Feb 2026
【学】Wabi-Sabi! What Does It Really Mean? | Japan Explained
Send us Fan Mail What exactly is wabi-sabi — and why is it so hard to explain? In this episode, we explore the Japanese idea of wabi-sabi and why it doesn’t translate neatly into English. We talk about beauty in imperfection, simplicity, aging, and quiet atmosphere — and why trying to “define” wabi-sabi almost misses the point. We also touch on expressions like 趣がある (omomuki ga aru) and how they connect to this subtle way of seeing beauty in everyday life. Amber shares how wabi-sabi feels ...
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