A Fluent Path to Anime: Learning Japanese for Watchers and Creators Alike

Many of us fall in love with anime as teenagers or young adults, drawn in by compelling stories, engaging characters, and the sheer joy of watching these shows. For some, the desire to watch anime without the need for dubbing or subtitles drives them to learn the Japanese language. I was one of those individuals, motivated to learn Japanese to immerse fully in the worlds of anime. Here, I share my journey, from enrolling in a Japanese diploma course to making my own anime stories in the language.

Why Learn Japanese for Anime?

Learning Japanese to watch anime without the need for dubbing or subtitles is a fascinating pursuit. Many anime watchers eventually develop a semi-fluent understanding of the language simply through regular exposure. However, to achieve full fluency, learning more structured courses and certificates like the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N5 - which I am currently preparing for - can be highly beneficial.

Accompanying anime can indeed be a powerful tool in language learning. Both dubbed and subbed anime are helpful, but newer subbed anime are available sooner and offer different nuances due to the practice of professional translators. Just as the characters in anime speak in clear, distinct Japanese, they also provide a wealth of examples that can help learners pick up on real-life Japanese colloquially spoken.

The Casual Nature of Anime Japanese

While anime can provide a great introduction to colloquial Japanese, it's important to recognize that the casual, laid-back Japanese spoken in many shows is far from the formal, standard Japanese one might learn in textbooks. In anime, the characters often use slang and casual speech patterns. For a more accurate and formal Japanese, learners might focus on standard Japanese textbooks, though it’s still a good idea to supplement with anime to get a well-rounded understanding of the language.

The Personal Journey of Learning Japanese

My own journey began several years ago, enrolling in a foreign language department at Pune University in 2016. Since then, I have continued to deepen my knowledge of Japanese, aiming to not only watch anime but to eventually make my own stories in the language as well.

During my early years, I only watched dubbed anime, which were often available later than their original broadcasts. To compensate, and to enhance my vocabulary and understanding, I quickly began watching subs. Creating a habit of watching subbed anime, especially shows like One Piece, led to a rich exposure to the language and the opportunity to learn countless new words and phrases. Here are some of the common phrases I picked up:

Hariyatho gozaimasu - Thank you very much Vary - Sorry Baka - Idiot Mera - Flame Ni San - Brother Oyagi - Father Kun - Younger San - Elder Chwan - Lovely Melow - Love

Learning Japanese Beyond Anime

While anime can be a wonderful tool for learning Japanese, it's not the only way. Reading and writing in Japanese, attending language classes, and even traveling to Japan can all contribute to a deeper understanding of the language. I find learning a language for personal enjoyment extremely rewarding. Although it might feel overwhelming at times, the satisfaction of understanding a full sentence without the help of subtitles is unparalleled. Even if you can only understand a portion of what you are reading or hearing, progress is still progress.

Ultimately, the reason for learning a language is important, but it is not the sole determining factor. Many learnJapanese simply out of a love for anime, and that's perfectly fine. By combining the fun of watching anime with structured learning, you can achieve a high level of fluency in Japanese. Whether you aspire to watch anime without subtitles or to create your own Japanese stories, learning Japanese can be a enriching and fulfilling experience. Bon voyage on your language learning journey!