Top Recommended Japanese Books and TV Shows for Language Learners: A Comprehensive Guide
Learning Japanese can be fun and exciting! Watching Japanese TV shows and reading Japanese books are great ways to improve your language skills. I’ve made a list of the best books and shows to help you learn Japanese. I’ve organized them from easy to difficult, so you can choose the right ones for your level. This is not everything I have watched / used to learn Japanese, but these are the main resources I used for immersion.
Beginner-Friendly Books and Shows
Books:
桃太郎 (Momotaro)
A classic Japanese folk tale about a boy born from a peach. It's short and uses simple language, making it perfect for beginners.
坊っちゃん (Botchan) by Natsume Soseki
This book tells the story of a young teacher and his adventures. It’s a little longer but written in a straightforward style.
吾輩は猫である (I Am a Cat) by Natsume Soseki
This book is about the world seen through the eyes of a cat. It’s funny and simple enough for beginners who are ready for a challenge.
クロマティ高校 (Cromartie High School) [Manga]
A hilarious manga about high school life with simple dialogues. A good choice if you like comics!
TV Shows:
仮面ライダー剣 (Kamen Rider Blade)
A superhero show that is great for beginners. The language is easy, and the episodes are fun and exciting!
Good Morning Call (Netflix)
A light-hearted romantic comedy set in a high school. Perfect for beginners to understand daily conversations.
Intermediate Books and Shows
Books:
羅生門 (Rashomon) by Ryunosuke Akutagawa
This is a collection of short stories with slightly more complex language. It's great for those who are comfortable with basic reading.
斜陽 (The Setting Sun) by Osamu Dazai
A story about a noble family in decline. It’s a bit more challenging but a good step up for intermediate learners.
銀河鉄道 (Night on the Galactic Railroad) by Kenji Miyazawa
A magical journey through the stars. The story is deep, and the language is moderate, perfect for intermediate readers.
無職転生 (Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation) [Novel]
A fantasy story about a man reincarnated in another world. The language is not too hard, and the story is engaging.
TV Shows:
Terrace House (Netflix)
A reality show where strangers live together. Great for learning everyday Japanese conversation.
Love Wagon (Netflix)
A travel reality show with people looking for love. You can learn about Japanese culture and love expressions.
Stay Tuned! (Netflix)
A comedy show about a TV news station. It's great for learning more formal language in a fun setting.
Advanced Books and Shows
Books:
人間失格 (No Longer Human) by Osamu Dazai
A dark and deep story about a man struggling with life. The language is advanced, making it perfect for experienced learners.
こゝろ (Kokoro) by Natsume Soseki
A classic novel that explores the human heart. It’s complex and poetic, great for advanced readers.
地獄変 (Hell Screen) by Ryunosuke Akutagawa
A short story collection with deep meanings and advanced vocabulary. A must-read for those who want a challenge.
転生したらスライムだった件 (That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime) [Novel]
A fantasy adventure with advanced language. It's good for those who enjoy complex plots and language.
TV Shows:
Alice in Borderland (Netflix)
A thrilling show set in a dangerous game world. The language is advanced, and the plot is complex, perfect for advanced learners.
REA(L)OVE (Netflix)
A reality show about love and secrets. The language is more advanced, with complex conversations.
Blazing Transfer Students (Netflix)
A quirky comedy with lots of wordplay and cultural references. Great for those who want to test their language skills.
Last One Standing (Netflix)
A comedy talk show with advanced language. It’s perfect for those who want to understand Japanese humor and complex discussions.
Want guidance learning Japanese? Check out the Hello Language Coaches Japanese Programs. We hope this list helps you find the perfect books and TV shows to enjoy while learning Japanese. Start with the easy ones and work your way up to the more difficult ones as you improve. Happy learning!