Welcome to Nihongo no Jikan!
Hi, I'm Yuki!
Let me show you around Nihongo no Jikan and explain what this site is, how Comprehensible Input works, and how you can make the most of it!
What is Nihongo no Jikan?
Nihongo no Jikan is a place where you can learn Japanese naturally through comprehensible input.
My videos are designed for all levels, from Complete Beginner to Advanced, and cover a wide range of topics and formats, including Japanese culture, everyday life, folktales, gameplay, quizzes, vlogs, cooking, and more.
You can also practice reading with video transcripts, blog posts about my daily life in Japan, and reading materials (coming soon!).
What is Comprehensible Input?
Comprehensible Input (CI) is language input that is understandable to you.
According to Dr. Stephen Krashen, language is best acquired when you understand messages—what you hear or read. By receiving lots of comprehensible input, you can gradually acquire Japanese without even realizing it.
Nihongo no Jikan provides you with abundant comprehensible input that you can enjoy and understand.
How I Make Japanese Comprehensible
I use the following techniques to help you understand the message:
- Use simple language
- Speak slowly and clearly
- Repeat words and expressions
- Rephrase ideas in different ways
- Use synonyms, antonyms, comparisons, and examples
- Use gestures and facial expressions
- Use visuals such as images and illustrations
- Provide plenty of context
How to Use the Site
Just Watch and Enjoy
When watching videos, you don't need to:
- Understand every single word
- Memorize new words
- Analyze grammar
- Translate into your native language
Instead, focus on understanding the overall message and enjoying the content.
Try watching videos without subtitles first and focus on understanding the message through what you hear and see.
Choose Videos that Suit Your Level and Interests
Choose topics that you're interested in and are familiar with. Familiar topics are often easier to understand because you already have some background knowledge.
You can filter videos by level and use the Difficulty Index (0–100) to find videos that match your current level.
Remember, it's perfectly okay to watch easier videos. Understanding and enjoying the content is what matters most.
Learn at Your Own Pace
Consistency is key to language learning.
Find a pace that works for you and continue enjoying Japanese regularly.
You don't need to rush to higher levels. It's completely fine to watch the same videos multiple times. Each time you watch, you may notice something new and be surprised by how much more you understand!
Use Video Transcripts to Build Your Reading Skills
After you understand a video, use the subtitles and transcripts to practice reading.
Reading skills can also improve naturally through input. By seeing Japanese words and expressions repeatedly in context, you'll gradually become more familiar with them.
Enjoy Self-selected Reading with Blog Posts and Reading Materials
Reading is also an important form of input.
Once you get used to reading Japanese with video transcripts, you can start exploring other reading materials.
My blog posts share stories about my daily life in Japan and are written for Japanese learners. They are a great way to practice reading while learning about everyday life in Japan.
Both blog posts and reading materials (coming soon) include furigana and audio, so you can check the pronunciation while reading.
Don't Worry About Speaking at First
Speaking becomes easier after you've received enough input, so you don't need to rush.
Focus on understanding first, and start practicing output when you feel ready.
The Japanese you understand will gradually become the Japanese you can use.
Features to Support Your Learning
Input Log
You can track the time you spend with Japanese through the Input Log.
Seeing your progress can help you stay motivated and continue building your Japanese habits.
Set Your Goals
You can set daily goals and all-time goals on Nihongo no Jikan.
Goals can also help you stay consistent and motivated.
Enjoy Your Japanese Journey!
Language learning doesn't have to be a struggle.
Forget that it's in a foreign language and just relax and enjoy the content. As you continue receiving Japanese input that you understand and enjoy, you'll gradually improve without even realizing it.
After several months or years, you may look back and be surprised by how much you've improved!
The most important thing is to build more "I understood!" moments and enjoy your time with Japanese.
I hope Nihongo no Jikan becomes part of your daily routine as you continue your Japanese learning journey😊💗
