Best Online Teachers and Platforms for Learning Japanese (Beginner to Advanced)

Platforms Offering Multiple Teachers

  1. Italki

    • Features: Personalized lessons from certified Japanese teachers and community tutors.
    • Best For: Beginners to advanced learners, flexible scheduling.
    • Website: italki

  2. Preply

    • Features: Tutors specializing in conversational Japanese, JLPT prep, and business Japanese.
    • Best For: Affordable lessons tailored to your needs.
    • Website: Preply

  3. Verbling

    • Features: Professional Japanese tutors offering one-on-one lessons.
    • Best For: Intermediate to advanced learners focusing on specific goals.
    • Website: Verbling

Independent Teachers & Popular YouTube Channels

  1. Japanese Ammo with Misa

    • Platform: YouTube, personal website.
    • Features: Free in-depth grammar explanations, slang, and natural Japanese usage.
    • Best For: Beginners to advanced learners.
    • YouTube Channel: Japanese Ammo with Misa

  2. Cure Dolly

    • Platform: YouTube.
    • Features: Simplified grammar teaching and “natural Japanese” approach.
    • Best For: Those struggling with traditional methods.
    • YouTube Channel: Cure Dolly

  3. Sambon Juku

    • Platform: YouTube.
    • Features: JLPT-focused lessons and practice for all levels.
    • Best For: JLPT test takers.
    • YouTube Channel: Sambon Juku

Dedicated Websites & Apps

  1. WaniKani

    • Features: Learn kanji and vocabulary using spaced repetition.
    • Best For: Beginners to advanced kanji learners.
    • Website: WaniKani

  2. BunPro

    • Features: Grammar learning with JLPT-focused exercises.
    • Best For: Structured grammar progression.
    • Website: BunPro

  3. JapanesePod101

    • Features: Podcasts, video lessons, and quizzes for all levels.
    • Best For: Comprehensive learning on the go.
    • Website: JapanesePod101

  4. NativShark

    • Features: Step-by-step course covering vocabulary, grammar, and listening.
    • Best For: Beginners to advanced learners seeking structured lessons.
    • Website: NativShark

Specialized Teachers

  1. Sayaka from Sayaka Sensei

    • Platform: YouTube, private tutoring.
    • Features: Focus on JLPT N3 and above, business Japanese.
    • Best For: Intermediate to advanced learners.

  2. Yuko Sensei

    • Platform: Udemy.
    • Features: Pre-recorded courses for absolute beginners and JLPT prep.
    • Best For: Beginners looking for affordable structured courses.
    • Website: Yuko Sensei on Udemy

Let us know your thoughts in the comments! Share your experiences with these platforms or recommend others. Happy learning!