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How do I learn Japanese with YouTube and Netflix?

The short answer

Pick something slightly easier than you would like, turn on Japanese (or dual) subtitles, and watch short scenes rather than whole episodes when you train. Save the lines you understand almost fully, review them, and keep watching for fun the rest of the time. Real content is where your hours come from.

Choose the right level

If you understand nothing, it is noise. Start with content made for learners (slow Japanese YouTube channels, comprehensible-input videos), then everyday shows, then anything.

“You need to learn from context from natural sentences.”Languy · from a recorded lesson

The 15-minute training block

Pick a 2-3 minute scene.
Watch with dual subtitles.
Re-watch with Japanese only.
Save 2-3 lines you almost understood.
Review them tomorrow in your deck.

Tools

Language Reactor and Migaku add dual subtitles and saving to streaming sites; check the directory for what each costs.

“Just anything which has sentences or simple dialogues that are simple enough for you and slow enough for you.”Languy · from a recorded lesson

Questions people also ask

Is watching with English subtitles useless?

Not useless, it keeps you in the habit and trains your ear a little. But your eyes follow English, so mix in Japanese subtitles when you train.

What Netflix shows are good for Japanese beginners?

Everyday dramas, reality shows and slice-of-life anime, where people talk at normal speed about normal life.

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