Nihongo to English
Nihongo To English blends language learning and stand-up humor as comedians Michelle MaliZaki and Michael Allen CPA (GoatVsFish) explore the quirks of Japanese and English—words that don’t translate, culture shocks, and why politeness can melt you faster than ice cream. Each episode moves freely between the two languages, revealing how funny and human bilingual life can be.
You’ll learn phrases, hear authentic conversation, and laugh about everything from Japanese idols and snacks to Ken-son humility and mistranslated signs.
Perfect for fans of Japanese culture, bilingual comedy, or learning Japanese the fun way.
Podcasting since 2025 • 17 episodes
Nihongo to English
Latest Episodes
Kono / Sono / Ano in Japanese (Genki): Sake, Aliens & Dodgers | Nihongo to English Ep. 17
In Episode 17 of Nihongo to English, Michael Allen and Michelle MaliZaki talk about Japanese sake, aliens, Earthlings, newspapers, baseball, and Dodgers parking prices before circling back to Genki Japanese practice....
•
Season 1
•
Episode 17
•
28:39
Kore/Sore/Are in Japanese (Genki Lesson 6) : Hello Kitty vs Garfield | Ep. 16
In Episode 16 of Nihongo to English, Michael Allen and Michelle MaliZaki fall into a “ki” spiral—kitte (stamp), kite(to cut / “cut and…”), and somehow kitty—which turns into a chaotic pitch for a Hel...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 16
•
24:08
Japanese Valentine’s Day: Giri Choco, White Day, and Gift “Obligations” (Genki + Numbers) EP15
In Episode 15 of Nihongo to English, we dive into Japanese Valentine’s Day culture—from giri choco (obligation chocolate) to the panic of White Day reciprocity. Comedians Michelle MaliZaki and Michael Allen...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 15
•
34:00
Hi vs Pi vs Bi: Japanese Pronunciation Shifts (Yamu/Yameru + Ne/Yo) EP 14
Episode 14 starts with a very LA problem: “It doesn’t rain enough to casually say ame ga yamu.” From there, Michael Allen and Michelle MaliZaki jump into Genki-style grammar and nuance—yamu vs yameru, tomaru vs tomeru, an...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 14
•
34:20
Japanese Particle も (Mo) Explained (Also/Too) | Genki Lesson 5 EP 13
In this episode of Nihongo to English, hosts Michael Allen CPA and Michelle MaliZaki break down Japanese particle も (mo) from Genki I (Lesson 5)—how to use も to mean “also/too,” and how it can imply ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 13
•
27:39
Podcasts we love
Check out these other fine podcasts recommended by us, not an algorithm.
