Hi I want to learn more about Japanese traditions/culture etc. and while at it it would be great to hit two birds with one stone and also immerse more in the language. So can you guys recommend any Sites, Blogs, podcasts, whatever comes to mind in Japanese where you can learn more about Japanese culture/traditions. From the difficulty N3 or lower level would be best but you may also recommend harder stuff, than I have goals to look forward to.
3 comments
I found [this](https://gprivate.com/63133) online resource really helpful!
I think this would be thoroughly beginner stuff, but even if you’re a bit past that, it’s nice for the culture stuff: the Japan-easy lessons on NHK.
Season 1
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/ondemand/program/video/japaneasy/
Season 2
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/ondemand/program/video/japaneasy2/
I took an “all levels” conversation class, and it used the “phrase-easy” segments of these videos, and while I found them incredibly cheesy at first, they kind of grew on me.
I think it’s also a good practice to simply start watching movies/shows and be a little extra perceptive.. Like, if you’re watching an anime set in high school (which is, like, 95% of them), and you notice they are talking about a culture festival (bunkasai; again, like 95% of the 95%), maybe take note of that and look up “japan high school culture festival” and realize this is a big deal event. Maybe have that dovetail into research into other matsuri (festivals), which might lead you to “temple/shrine” customs, then other things..
Basically, it’s a lot easier to find good material if you have more specific search terms rather than “Japanese culture”, although even that kind of vague phrase is a better starting point than nothing.
This was part of an old school cultural guide made ages ago. It does have some interesting points about etiquette, manners and other customs. Hope it helps.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDL8yu34fz0&t