Best Podcasts for Japan You Should Listen To!
Clay Thomas
Podcasts about Japan are an awesome way to explore an incredible country! They bring Japanese culture to life with exciting stories and fun conversations. Listeners can learn about traditional customs, modern life, and everything through amazing audio adventures.
If you’re curious about traveling, love learning about different cultures, or want to understand Japan better, these podcasts are perfect!
Trash Taste Podcast
One of the most popular podcasts about Japan, prominent YouTubers CDawgVA, Gigguk, and The Anime Man host Trash Taste. While it often focuses on anime, video games, and Japanese pop culture, the podcast also dives into living in Japan as an expat.
Their comedic banter makes the show highly entertaining and relatable for anyone curious about expat life or pop culture. You can check out Trash Taste’s popular video podcasts like this one and many more on their YouTube channel.
Abroad in Japan Podcast
Hosted by Chris Broad, one of YouTube’s most famous Japan-based creators, the Abroad in Japan podcast gives listeners a travel-oriented perspective of life in Japan. Chris, the most affable podcast host, covers everything from off-the-beaten-path destinations to quirky facts, opinions, and everyday challenges, all with his signature humor.
Unpacking Japan
Unpacking Japan features interviews with expats and locals about life in Japan. The podcast explores Japanese customs and social dynamics through personal stories. Guests share insights that help listeners understand the nuances of everyday life in the country.
Each episode offers unique insights from people actually living in Japan. The podcast provides deep, authentic perspectives on Japanese culture. It’s an essential listen for anyone wanting to understand life in Japan from firsthand experiences.
GoldnRush Podcast
The GoldnRush [sic] Podcast features guests from Japan’s booming hip-hop scene. It goes beyond music, exploring diverse topics with influential artists and cultural personalities. The show offers unique insights into the contemporary Japanese entertainment landscape.
The podcast shares personal stories and social insights from Japan’s hip-hop world. It offers a compelling look at the artists driving the country’s music scene. Perfect for listeners interested in music and Japanese culture.
Are you looking for awesome snacks while listening to your favorite podcast? Check out TokyoTreat! TokyoTreat delivers limited-edition Japanese noodles, drinks, snacks, and sweets right to your door so you can enjoy the latest Japanese treats directly from Japan!
Bonus Japanese Language Podcasts
We couldn’t recommend podcasts about Japan without including a way to learn the language. So, for those looking to improve their Japanese language skills, here are two standout options designed to make language learning more engaging and accessible:
Nihongo con Teppei
If you’re just starting your journey in learning Japanese, Nihongo con Teppei is a perfect introduction. The host, Teppei, uses simple language and engaging lessons to guide beginners through the basics of the language. The episodes are short and to the point, making digesting essential vocabulary and grammar easy while enjoying the fun, conversational tone.
The Miku Real Japanese Podcast
Designed for intermediate to advanced learners, The Miku Real Japanese Podcast offers conversations in natural Japanese, helping listeners get a feel for how the language is used in everyday situations. Miku touches on various topics related to Japanese culture, daily life, and language tips, offering a well-rounded approach to language learning.
Why should I listen to these podcasts?
Overall, these podcasts offer something for everyone interested in Japan. For instance, Trash Taste provides entertaining conversations, Abroad in Japan shares engaging travel stories, and Unpacking Japan delivers in-depth interviews. Furthermore, each show gives listeners a unique glimpse into Japanese culture and life. In fact, if you’re looking to explore Japan through podcasts, these shows are an excellent place to start!
Related articles
Inside MoN Takanawa, Tokyo’s New Museum of Narratives
In 2026, Tokyo opened a major new cultural space with the debut of MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives.
Osaka Hotel Guide: Five Best Ones to Stay At!
Osaka has become one of Japan’s top travel destinations. Visitors come for the city’s food scene, nightlife, and shopping districts. As tourism in the Kansai region continues to grow, Osaka’s hotel scene has expanded as well. Because of this, many people like to stay at an Osaka hotel.
Osaka Castle is Home to an Amazing New Park!
In recent years, Osaka has strengthened its reputation as one of Japan’s top cities for live entertainment, comedy, theater, and pop culture.
Japanese Monkey Spotlight: Who Is Punch?
In early 2026, a tiny Japanese monkey at a zoo near Tokyo became one of the internet’s most recognizable animals. His name was Punch, a baby Japanese macaque living at Ichikawa City Zoo in Chiba Prefecture.
Golden Week in Japan: Planning Ahead for Next Year
Golden Week is one of the busiest travel periods in Japan—and if you’re thinking about experiencing it, planning ahead is essential. With millions of people traveling across the country, popular destinations fill up quickly, trains sell out, and major attractions reach peak capacity. If you’re already looking ahead to next year, here’s a guide to...
Sanrio Places to Visit in Japan: A Complete Travel Guide!
Japan is the global hub of kawaii culture, and no brand defines it more than Sanrio. Known for Hello Kitty, My Melody, Cinnamoroll, and Kuromi, Sanrio has expanded far beyond merchandise into theme parks, cafés, and retail experiences across Japan.
