Best Way to Learn Japanese in 2025

Introduction

In recent years, the world of online language learning has evolved significantly, offering a wider range of options for learning Japanese than ever before. Among these, Oku Sensei’s Japanese has stood out as a particularly noteworthy choice. With flexible programs tailored to individual learning styles and goals, combined with its innovative and cutting-edge teaching methods, it has earned recognition from many learners as one of the best ways to learn Japanese.

By leveraging AI tools, online platforms, and advanced applications, it has become possible to create an incredibly efficient and enjoyable learning experience never before seen. These technological advancements have made it easier for learners to choose methods that align with their personal goals and lifestyles, opening up more effective paths to mastering the Japanese language.

In this article, we will delve into five of the best methods for learning Japanese in 2025, share tips on how to maximize the use of online learning tools, and introduce strategies for effective learning. Whether you are interested in learning Japanese for the first time or are searching for new methods, be sure to read until the end!

Leveraging AI Chatbots (ChatGPT, Gemini, TalkPal, etc.)

Revolutionary AI Tools for Language Learning in 2025

Throughout 2024, AI tools have made significant strides, transforming the way we learn Japanese. Platforms powered by large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT and Gemini, have absorbed vast amounts of data, enabling them to handle both English and Japanese with fluency and naturalness. They surpass traditional translation services in grammatical accuracy, phrase usage, and conversational authenticity.

These AI tools go beyond being mere language aids. They possess broad knowledge of Japanese culture, cuisine, history, and religion, providing learners with a deeper understanding of Japan and its traditions. Additionally, their advanced logical reasoning capabilities have redefined the landscape of Japanese language learning, offering unparalleled experiences as powerful educational tools.

Why Modern AI is Transforming Language Learning Forever

In the past, education was a privilege accessible only to the wealthy or nobility. Wealthy families could hire private tutors for personalized lessons, allowing their children to ask questions and learn at their convenience. This privilege gave them a significant advantage over the general population for centuries.

Now, imagine having a personal tutor available at all times, offering instant guidance. This is precisely how AI chatbots like those of 2025 are reshaping the world. Acting as free, personalized tutors with knowledge spanning thousands of topics, they are available 24/7, right in your pocket.

No longer do you need to be part of the nobility or undergo specialized education. A smartphone or laptop is all you need. Knowledge is power, and modern AI is empowering everyday people, paving the way for a permanent transformation of human society.

Best Practices for Using AI Chatbots

To get the most out of AI tools, it’s crucial to understand how to use them effectively. Below are some ways to maximize their potential for learning Japanese:

1. Practicing Written and Spoken Japanese

AI chatbots can help you practice Japanese in real conversation formats. They can also be utilized to refine written communication, helping learners balance both spoken and written Japanese skills.

• Spoken Japanese Examples:
  • Simulate travel-related conversations (e.g., handling procedures at an airport or ordering food at a restaurant) to learn useful phrases.
  • Set themes like "talk about yesterday’s events" or "ask about weekend plans" for casual conversations.
• Written Japanese Examples:
  • Practice formal email exchanges at work, such as "requesting a meeting schedule change." Ask the AI to proofread and ensure proper grammar and polite expressions.
  • Write letters, like a thank-you note to a friend, and receive advice on expressions and word choices.

By engaging in these exercises, you can develop natural and balanced expression in both formal and casual Japanese.

2. Mastering Grammar and Natural Expressions

AI chatbots are excellent tools for deepening grammatical understanding and learning more natural expressions. You can ask them to proofread your work or clarify concepts with concrete examples.

• Grammar Example:
  • Ask about the phrase "食べ過ぎちゃった" and learn that "ちゃった" is a casual contraction of "〜てしまった," often used in conversational Japanese. The AI can also explain how to convert it into more formal language and provide practical applications.
• Natural Expression Example:
  • Consult the AI with something like, "I wrote an email for my manager, but I’m unsure about its politeness." The AI can proofread the text and suggest more appropriate phrases, such as “ご確認いただけますと幸いです”.

This dual focus on grammar and practical expressions helps learners build skills that can be immediately applied in real-life situations.

3. Exploring a Wide Range of Topics

AI chatbots can engage in discussions about Japanese culture, history, religion, cuisine, and more. This capability allows learners to not only improve their Japanese but also deepen their understanding of cultural contexts.

• Specific Use Cases:
  • Learn about traditional events like New Year’s Day or Tanabata, including their origins and related vocabulary.

Research historical figures or events, memorizing kanji and vocabulary associated with them.

4. Enhancing Kanji and Vocabulary Understanding

AI chatbots are invaluable for breaking down kanji meanings, explaining various pronunciations, and illustrating word usage across different contexts.

• Kanji Example:
  • Explore the kanji "生," learning its on-yomi (せい, しょう) and kun-yomi (いきる, うむ, はえる), along with examples like 生きる (live), 生活 (lifestyle), and 生徒 (student). The AI can also explain foundational meanings like "life" and "birth."
• Vocabulary Example:
  • Ask about "あたたかい" and learn the distinction between 暖かい (warm room) and 温かい (warm drink), along with example sentences to clarify nuances.

This helps learners understand not only the meanings but also the nuances of kanji and vocabulary in context.

5. Translation Assistance

AI chatbots are capable of translating English into Japanese while adjusting the content for contextual and natural expression. This can be particularly useful in scenarios like:

• Emails and Business Writing: Translate sentences like “Could you please confirm the details of our meeting?” into 「会議の詳細をご確認いただけますでしょうか？」, ensuring proper honorifics.
• Research Papers: Translate academic content from English to Japanese, refining it with professional phrasing for formal papers.
• Essays and Writing Practice: Proofread and enhance compositions, fixing grammatical errors and improving fluency.

This functionality empowers learners to use Japanese confidently in both academic and professional settings.

AI Chatbots as Personal Learning Partners

By incorporating these methods, AI chatbots function not just as tools but as personalized learning partners. Understanding how to use them effectively can significantly enhance your vocabulary, grammar, expression, and cultural understanding.

Challenges and Areas for Improvement with AI Chatbots

AI chatbots are incredibly useful tools for learning Japanese, but they come with certain challenges.

First, beginners may struggle with knowing what to ask, making it difficult to use AI effectively. In particular, if learners find it hard to formulate questions about the grammar, expressions, or vocabulary they need to study, their progress can stagnate.

Additionally, there is significant variation in the performance of AI chatbots, and not all tools are equally reliable. Some AI systems may provide grammatical mistakes or unnatural expressions, especially when they lack sufficient data or robust support for the target language.

Furthermore, each AI chatbot has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it is important to research which tool best fits your learning goals. Checking reviews or taking advantage of free trials is recommended to find reliable tools. For Japanese learning, ChatGPT and Gemini are particularly well-regarded.

Many Japanese learning apps now incorporate "AI," but these tools often lack flexibility and fail to fully unlock the potential of AI technology. For instance, in conversation practice, responses may often feel stiff or overly formulaic, with limited ability to simulate natural dialogue (see these references for more on TalkPal: Reddit: TalkPal AI Review, Medium: TalkPal Review).

To address these issues, it is important to use AI as a supplementary resource rather than the main learning method. Combining AI tools with other learning approaches—especially structured Japanese classes—allows for a more systematic and flexible learning experience.

By maximizing the strengths of AI while understanding and compensating for its limitations, learners can achieve more effective Japanese learning outcomes.

Summary of AI Utilization

To maximize the efficiency of Japanese learning in 2025, using AI chatbots is essential. However, it’s important to note that using chatbots effectively requires knowing what to ask. For beginners, this can be particularly challenging, as they may not even know what they don’t know.

Thus, AI chatbots are best used as supplementary tools, rather than standalone resources.

For those starting from scratch, enrolling in comprehensive programs like OSJ’s Japanese Discovery (Fun and Relaxed Learning) is the most reliable choice. This approach ensures a well-rounded and engaging learning experience while allowing learners to gradually incorporate AI tools into their studies.

Using Netflix with Japanese Audio & Subtitles

Why Netflix Is Perfect for Learning Japanese

In recent years, Netflix has expanded its Japanese content significantly, adding Japanese audio and subtitles to a wide range of genres, including anime, dramas, movies, and documentaries. This makes it an excellent tool for simultaneously improving listening and reading comprehension skills. By 2025, Netflix has become an increasingly popular and accessible method for Japanese learners to integrate into their study routines.

Netflix provides exposure to everyday conversations and natural phrases, offering opportunities to absorb nuances and expressions that traditional textbooks and methods often miss. Moreover, its diverse range of content helps maintain motivation, creating an enjoyable learning environment.

Best Practices for Using Netflix

To maximize the benefits of Netflix for learning Japanese, it’s essential to tailor your viewing approach to your level and goals:

For Intermediate Learners: Japanese Audio + Japanese Subtitles

Watching Japanese programs with both Japanese audio and subtitles helps you build listening and reading skills simultaneously. By choosing shows you enjoy, you can stay motivated while learning practical expressions used in real-life scenarios.

• Key Tip: Focus on content with realistic Japanese rather than exaggerated or fantasy-oriented dialogue. Shows rich in everyday or workplace language are most useful for acquiring practical expressions.
• Benefits: This method helps you master frequently used phrases and casual expressions, making it easier to apply what you’ve learned in daily conversations. It also balances your listening and reading skills.

For Advanced Learners: Watching Without Subtitles

Viewing Japanese content without subtitles is a pure listening exercise that can significantly enhance your listening skills. While challenging at first, it’s a highly effective way to improve.

• Key Tip: Avoid relying too much on subtitles, as they can limit the development of your listening ability. Although watching with subtitles is useful for intermediate learners, advanced learners should aim to practice without them to achieve greater proficiency.
• Benefits: Without subtitles, you’re forced to focus entirely on the audio, training your ear to recognize intonation, natural pauses, and subtle speech patterns. This approach also strengthens your speaking and listening skills.

Foreign Content + Japanese Subtitles

Using Japanese subtitles while watching foreign-language shows is a method that emphasizes reading practice. This approach is particularly suitable for intermediate to advanced learners who want to improve their reading speed and vocabulary comprehension.

• Benefits:
  1. Learn diverse Japanese expressions used in unique cultural contexts.
  2. Build vocabulary by encountering varied and complex words, while also practicing speed-reading. This is especially beneficial for professional settings or preparing for JLPT N1.
  3. Leverage context to remember new words more effectively, enhancing overall vocabulary skills.

Pro Tips for Viewing

1. Rewatch Content: Watch once without pausing, then go back to review unclear parts. This allows you to grasp the overall flow while deepening your understanding of specific details.
2. Shadowing: Repeat phrases aloud as you hear them to practice pronunciation and rhythm.
3. Take Notes: Jot down new vocabulary or phrases while watching and review them later to reinforce memory.

Challenges for Beginners

While Netflix is a valuable tool, beginners may face challenges. Many Netflix shows feature fast-paced dialogue and complex content, which can be difficult to follow without a solid foundation in grammar, kanji, vocabulary, pronunciation, and listening skills.

It’s crucial for beginners to first establish a strong base through comprehensive Japanese education. Once the basics are mastered, Netflix can serve as an excellent supplementary resource for learning authentic expressions and cultural nuances.

For intermediate and advanced learners, integrating Netflix into their studies as a complement to structured learning allows for more balanced language acquisition.

Summary of Netflix for Japanese Learning

Netflix is a fun and convenient tool for improving listening and reading comprehension in Japanese. By selecting the right viewing methods and maintaining motivation, learners can effectively acquire natural Japanese expressions and achieve advanced listening proficiency.

When combined with comprehensive Japanese classes, such as those offered by OSJ, Netflix becomes a powerful supplement, contributing to overall language mastery.

As Netflix-based learning continues to gain traction in 2025, learners who adopt this approach early will stay ahead of the curve and outpace their peers in Japanese proficiency.

Using Bunpro

What is Bunpro?

Bunpro is an online platform specialized in Japanese grammar learning, designed for those aiming for efficient and effective study. It utilizes an SRS (Spaced Repetition System) to help learners retain grammar points in their long-term memory. Users can tailor their study paths based on their progress and needs, leveraging a wealth of example sentences and audio clips to learn grammar in context.

One of Bunpro's standout features is its integration with popular textbooks like Minna no Nihongo and Genki, making it an excellent supplementary tool for learners already using these materials.

Best Practices for Using Bunpro

Bunpro's strengths lie in its flexibility and its SRS-powered review system, which enables learners to efficiently reinforce grammar knowledge. Below are its key features and how to make the most of them:

1. Integration with Textbooks and Study Path Customization

Bunpro works seamlessly with major Japanese textbooks (e.g., Genki and Minna no Nihongo), making it ideal for reviewing grammar learned from these resources.

• Study Path Options: Learners can set their study paths based on the textbooks they use, focusing on specific grammar points for targeted improvement.
• Flexibility: Bunpro adapts to learners’ goals and levels, catering to beginners and advanced learners alike. Even for those studying independently without textbooks, Bunpro provides the option to learn grammar points from scratch.

2. Efficient Reviews with SRS

Bunpro’s SRS feature is designed to optimize memory retention by scheduling reviews when learners are most likely to forget.

• Time-Efficient: Spend just 10–15 minutes daily on reviews to effectively reinforce grammar points, reducing the stress of long study sessions.
• Varied Review Formats: Reviews include diverse quiz formats that challenge learners to apply grammar in different contexts. Exercises may involve selecting appropriate particles, conjugating correctly, or differentiating similar expressions. Immediate, detailed feedback helps deepen understanding.

3. Using Example Sentences and Quizzes

Bunpro offers an abundance of example sentences and quizzes, enabling learners to practice grammar within real-world contexts.

• Skill Improvement: Quizzes test learners’ ability to use grammar in practical situations. For example, when learning the differences between 〜ながら and 〜つつ, learners gain insights into their nuances and contextual usage.
• Feedback on Mistakes: Even if an answer is close to correct, Bunpro provides explanations for why it’s wrong, ensuring a deeper understanding.

4. Search Functionality and External Resource Integration

Bunpro’s search feature allows users to look up grammar they encounter in sentences, providing quick access to examples, explanations, and external resources.

• Linked Resources: Bunpro integrates with reliable external sites like Tae Kim’s Guide, Nihongo no Mori, and Maggie Sensei, offering multiple perspectives on a single grammar point. This multidimensional approach fosters a more comprehensive understanding.

Important Tips for Effective Use

• Manage Your Pace: Avoid adding too many grammar points at once, as this can lead to an overwhelming number of reviews. Similarly, avoid stagnating by not adding new points for extended periods. Progress steadily and consistently.
• Supplement Vocabulary and Speaking Practice: Bunpro is a grammar-focused tool. To improve vocabulary, listening, and speaking, incorporate additional methods like structured conversation practice or language exchange.

Reviews and User Feedback

• Reddit: Many users on Reddit praise Bunpro as an excellent tool for grammar review, especially for learners using textbooks like Genki.

Click here for the Reddit review.

• Tofugu: Tofugu highlights Bunpro’s customizable approach and its effective use of SRS for flexible learning paths tailored to individual needs.

Click here for the Tofugu review.

Summary of Bunpro’s Benefits

Bunpro is an excellent tool for mastering Japanese grammar, offering features like textbook integration, SRS-powered reviews, practical quizzes, and external resource links. When combined with comprehensive Japanese classes, it provides a solid foundation for grammar while allowing learners to deepen their understanding through structured study.

However, Bunpro is primarily focused on grammar, so learners should incorporate additional methods for vocabulary building, listening, and speaking practice.

For a more holistic approach, pairing Bunpro with OSJ’s Master Class (Accelerated Japanese) is highly recommended. This comprehensive class offers practical exercises in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, complementing the grammar foundation built with Bunpro. Together, these resources provide a balanced and efficient way to advance in Japanese.

By supplementing Bunpro with OSJ classes, learners can reinforce their grammar knowledge while gaining practical language skills, enabling steady and confident progress toward fluency.

Using VPNs to Access Japanese Media

How VPNs Can Enhance Japanese Language Learning

You may wonder, "How does a VPN help with learning Japanese?" A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is, in fact, a powerful tool to enhance your Japanese skills. By connecting to Japanese servers through services like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark, you can access geographically restricted Japanese streaming services and websites.

This allows you to enjoy content from platforms such as TVer, U-NEXT, Hulu Japan, Netflix Japan, and Amazon Japan Prime Video, opening up a world of Japanese media. VPNs are particularly valuable for advanced learners, offering an excellent opportunity to improve listening, vocabulary, and cultural understanding.

Best Practices for Using VPNs

To maximize the benefits of VPN-enabled access to Japanese media, try these strategies based on your learning level and goals:

1)   Advanced Listening and Viewing Practice (Japanese Dramas, Movies, Variety Shows, News, etc.)

By engaging with the latest Japanese content, you can learn real-life conversations, timely vocabulary, and natural Japanese expressions. Dramas and movies are ideal for studying everyday conversational language, while news programs allow you to efficiently learn formal expressions. Watching a wide range of content can be expected to improve both your listening comprehension and vocabulary skills.

2)   Understanding Japanese Current Events and Popular Media

Watching local news programs and talk shows is not only crucial for improving language skills but also for deepening your understanding of Japanese culture and society.

Many Japanese learners tend to focus on sentence structure and grammar while neglecting to study geography, history, culture, and customs—a major pitfall. Without this background knowledge, it becomes difficult to communicate smoothly in both everyday conversations and writing.

In conversations with Japanese people, topics about geography, current events, history, and culture frequently come up. Without understanding these, you may struggle to follow the flow of conversation, resulting in superficial and awkward exchanges.

Similarly, in reading and writing, lacking background knowledge or context can hinder your ability to interpret the meaning of texts accurately. Making an effort to deeply understand what others are trying to convey is the key to mastering a foreign language.

3)   Access to Diverse Asian Media

Using a VPN allows access to Korean, Chinese, Taiwanese, and Southeast Asian content with Japanese subtitles. This provides a dual benefit: improving your Japanese reading comprehension while learning about other cultures.

Furthermore, exposure to different cultures enhances your understanding of the diversity and nuances of Japanese usage, leading to more holistic language improvement.

4)   Reading Online Manga and News Articles

To enhance reading comprehension and practical writing skills, extensive reading is essential. Written Japanese is more complex than spoken Japanese, requiring deliberate and consistent practice to develop fluency in reading and writing.

By using a VPN, you can access region-locked websites to read manga or news articles, which directly contribute to strengthening your reading skills.

Japanese written language differs significantly from spoken language and Western languages, with unique vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, and cultural references. To grasp these, learners must immerse themselves in challenging texts over time.

Daily practice helps you become accustomed to Japanese writing styles, improving your reading speed and enabling you to write with clarity and sophistication. A lack of training in written Japanese may cause non-native learners' writing to sound immature or difficult for native speakers to read. However, consistent practice naturally builds the ability to produce polished, comprehensible, and intellectual Japanese writing.

Points to Keep in Mind

When using a VPN, be aware of the following:

• Some streaming services may block VPN-based access. Always check the terms of service and use VPNs responsibly.
• Ensure the security and reliability of your chosen VPN service. Selecting a trustworthy provider will allow you to study safely.

Summary of VPN Benefits

VPNs enable direct access to authentic Japanese media and content, helping learners elevate their Japanese skills to the next level. Advanced learners can especially benefit by honing their listening, reading, and cultural understanding through immersive practice.

For beginners and intermediate learners, however, the complexity of such content may be overwhelming. It’s important to first establish a solid foundation through structured programs like OSJ’s Standard Course (OSJ Flagship Program).

OSJ offers a step-by-step curriculum catering to all levels, allowing learners to build a strong base before transitioning to VPN-assisted learning. Once the foundation is solid, VPNs can help you dive into authentic Japanese media, enabling you to understand modern Japanese culture and significantly enhance your language proficiency.

OSJ (Oku Sensei’s Japanese)

OSJ Overview

OSJ (Oku Sensei’s Japanese) is the world’s first comprehensive online Japanese school, established in 2021.

Since its foundation, it has gained attention as a pioneering solution to major challenges in the field of online Japanese language education as of 2025.

OSJ offers structured classes that cater to all learning levels, from beginners to advanced learners, providing high-quality Japanese education at an affordable price.

The greatest feature of OSJ is its use of independently developed, cutting-edge learning technology, allowing students to learn Japanese efficiently and effectively.

The classes cover a wide range of content, including reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar, kanji, vocabulary, and even Japanese culture and history.

Classes are held 2–3 times per week and are presented in a condensed, easy-to-follow format, enabling learners to make efficient use of their time. Additionally, lesson frequency and times can be adjusted to meet the needs of students, providing a learning experience that balances flexibility and structure.

How to Best Utilize OSJ

By using OSJ, the process of learning Japanese becomes dramatically simplified. The following features provide significant benefits to learners:

1)    Simplified Learning Process

The OSJ platform takes care of everything, from creating study plans to providing materials. Users are relieved from the hassle of creating lesson plans or combining multiple apps and tools. There is no need to rely on inaccurate information found online.

2)    Comprehensive Support

The founder of OSJ, Oku Sensei, provides short- and long-term study plans, detailed lesson notes, review materials, mock exams, and supplementary resources, offering support tailored to each individual student.
A system is in place to answer any questions promptly and accurately, allowing students to learn with peace of mind.

3)    Efficient Learning Methods

The classes at OSJ are specially designed so that there is no need for students to complete homework outside of class.
By simply attending the classes and spending approximately 15 minutes per day reviewing the provided materials on non-class days, students can steadily improve their Japanese skills.
Minimizing the burden on students while maximizing results is a key strength of OSJ.

Features of the OSJ Learning Experience

Another appeal of OSJ is the consistently enjoyable learning environment it provides.

• Materials and lesson formats suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced learners, are available.
• Students are freed from the stress of comparing multiple apps and tools, as everything they need is available on one platform.
• OSJ removes the uncertainty typical of self-study, such as “What should I learn next?” and provides clear direction for learners.

 OSJ is a platform that makes learning Japanese efficient and straightforward, providing an optimal learning environment for all learners. It combines flexibility and comprehensiveness, ensuring a stress-free experience without the hassle of managing multiple tools.

With OSJ, learners can maximize the enjoyment of studying Japanese while achieving the best results in their language-learning journey.

Conclusion

By incorporating the methods introduced in this article, you can learn Japanese efficiently and enjoyably in 2025. Tools and approaches like AI chatbots, Netflix, VPN access to Japanese media, and Bunpro each have their unique strengths. By combining these resources, you can design a learning experience tailored to your goals and proficiency level.

Among these, OSJ (Oku Sensei’s Japanese) stands out as the most comprehensive and efficient method for learning Japanese. With its structured classes for all levels, extensive support system, and flexible, stress-free learning process, OSJ sets itself apart from other options.

To succeed in learning Japanese, it’s essential to:

1. Keep the experience enjoyable
2. Discover a learning style that suits you
3. Stay consistent in your efforts

By using comprehensive and accurate resources and maintaining steady progress—even in small steps—you’ll achieve meaningful results over time.

Whether you’re just starting your Japanese learning journey or aiming for advanced fluency, use the methods outlined in this article to craft the perfect study plan. May 2025 be a year of enjoyable and fulfilling learning, where your Japanese skills grow leaps and bounds!

Currently, Oku Sensei's Japanese is offering free 30-minute consultations—don’t miss this opportunity to get started!